"US military forces have launched powerful attacks under my directive, targeting elements of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) organization in northwestern Nigeria. These are the individuals who brutally massacred innocent people, primarily Christians," US President Donald Trump announced on 25/12.

President Trump stated that the operation was "perfect" and affirmed that only the US could achieve this. He declared that Washington would not allow radical Islam to flourish, warning of continued attacks if militants "continue to massacre Christians."

The location of Sokoto state in Nigeria (red). Graphics: Wikimedia

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on the same day that the operation was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government, eliminating numerous IS members in Sokoto state in the northern part of the country. However, details on casualties and the types of weapons used have not been released.

AFRICOM declared that the strikes targeting IS "demonstrated the strength of the US military" and its commitment to eliminating threats against its citizens.

This marks the first US operation in Nigeria under President Trump. In October-November, President Trump criticized Nigeria, stating that Christians there faced an "existential threat equivalent to genocide" amidst a series of armed conflicts erupting in the West African nation.

While some welcomed the move, others expressed concerns that it could escalate religious tensions in Nigeria, a nation that has experienced sectarian violence in the past. Nigerian officials and experts have repeatedly rejected classifying the conflicts in the country as religious persecution.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle during a test flight at the Yuma proving ground, Arizona, US on 22/7. Photo: US Army

Nguyen Tien (AFP, AP, Reuters)