The United States has confirmed that it carried out airstrikes against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night. The strikes were ordered by the President of the United States in his role as Commander in Chief.
In a statement released by the White House, the President said the operation targeted ISIS groups operating in remote parts of northwest Nigeria. The group has been accused of attacking villages and killing civilians, with reports stating that many of the victims were Christians. US officials said these attacks have increased in recent years and have caused fear and displacement in affected communities.
The US Department of War said multiple targets linked to ISIS were hit during the operation. Officials described the strikes as precise and said they were meant to reduce the group’s ability to carry out more attacks. Details about the exact locations and the number of fighters killed were not made public.
The President said the action followed earlier warnings given to the group to stop killing civilians. He added that the United States would not allow terrorist groups to operate freely under his leadership.
US officials praised the military personnel involved in the operation and said the strikes were part of a wider effort to fight terrorism and protect innocent lives.
There has been no official response from the Nigerian government so far. Residents in nearby communities reported hearing loud explosions during the night, but independent confirmation of damage or casualties remains limited. Security analysts say the situation in northwest Nigeria remains unstable, with armed groups continuing to threaten rural areas.
