Christmas Military Operation: Trump Strikes ISIS Positions in Nigeria

President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian populations. The operation was deliberately conducted on Christmas Day, adding profound symbolic significance to the military action.
The strikes materialized after Trump’s warnings from October and November when he described the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had threatened military intervention if violence continued, setting clear expectations that have now been realized through concrete action.
Trump detailed that the Department of War executed precision strikes against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses the capability to conduct such operations and reaffirmed his stance against radical Islamic terrorism. The president praised the operation’s execution.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to combat militant groups operating in the region. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its support and cooperation, indicating that additional strikes could follow. He referenced Trump’s previous warnings about protecting Christians and noted that ISIS had learned this lesson on Christmas. The Pentagon provided video evidence showing weaponry being deployed from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to religious tolerance despite facing ongoing security challenges.