US bombs ISIS targets in Nigeria, says Donald Trump; Multiple killed

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces conducted "powerful and deadly" airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day. Announcing the operation via his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the mission was carried out under his direct command as Commander-in-Chief. The strikes targeted what he described as "ISIS terrorist scum" who have been systematically orchestrating massacres in the region.

The President justified the intervention by highlighting the targeted persecution of Christian communities in Nigeria. According to Trump, these terrorists have been "viciously killing innocent Christians" at levels that have not been witnessed for centuries. This military action follows a series of stern warnings issued by the Trump administration to both the terror groups and the Nigerian government, demanding an immediate end to sectarian violence and the "slaughter" of religious minorities.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the precision strikes were conducted in Sokoto State on December 25, reportedly killing multiple militants. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the operation, emphasizing that the "Department of War" remains ready to act wherever Christians face an "existential threat." While the Nigerian government acknowledged the hits as part of "structured security cooperation," analysts noted that this marks a significant shift toward a more aggressive, faith-based interventionist policy by the U.S.