U.S. Vows Further Strikes in Nigeria as Trump's Defense Chief Warns ISIS

The United States has vowed further military strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria, with the country's Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, warning that "more strikes to come." The recent US military operations targeted ISIS camps in Sokoto state, near the border with Niger, resulting in an initial assessment of multiple fatalities.

Hegseth, in a post on X, stated, "The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas." He also expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government's support and cooperation, adding, "Merry Christmas!" before concluding with a stern warning: "More to come..."

President Donald Trump announced the strikes on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that the actions were in response to ISIS targeting and killing Christians in the region. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria," Trump wrote. He reiterated his previous warnings to ISIS, stating that the U.S. will not tolerate the slaughter of Christians and that further strikes would follow if the violence continues.

The U.S. Department of Defense, which Trump has pushed to rename the Department of War, confirmed the strikes, stating that they were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. U.S. Africa Command also released a statement, detailing the operations and their alignment with international law and mutual respect for sovereignty.

Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the cooperation with the U.S., emphasizing that terrorist violence against any community is an affront to the country's values and international peace and security. The Nigerian government has previously responded to Trump's criticisms, stating that people of many faiths have suffered attacks from extremist groups.

The recent strikes come after Trump instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, citing the government's alleged inaction against the killing of Christians. Trump has designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern," a term used for nations determined to have committed severe violations of religious freedom.

The ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria has been marked by conflict and the activities of armed insurgent groups, including Boko Haram. While Trump has focused on the persecution of Christians, victims and church leaders have reported long-standing attacks, kidnappings, and killings based on faith. However, many insist that the reality is more complex, with both Christians and Muslims facing violence from extremist groups.