US Conducts Airstrike Against Daesh Militants in Northwest Nigeria

Northwest Nigeria | The United States carried out a targeted airstrike against Daesh (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria. The operation was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. U.S. officials said the strike aimed to stop militants from targeting local communities, particularly Christians.

Trump Calls Strike ‘Powerful’
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the strike was carried out under his direct orders. He described the action as a response to the vicious killings of Christians in Nigeria by Daesh militants. “The strike was powerful and deadly,” Trump wrote.

Details of the Strike
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the airstrike took place in Sokoto State. Multiple Daesh militants were killed, according to the U.S. military. A video released by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship.

The Nigerian government said the airstrike was part of ongoing security cooperation with the U.S., including intelligence sharing and strategic coordination against militant groups.

Background on Violence in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced ongoing attacks by armed groups in both the north and northeast. These attacks target Muslims and Christians, although the U.S. focused on Christian victims in its statement. Earlier on Thursday, a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured 35 others in northeast Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for peace in his country, urging protection for all religious communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom and the safety of all Nigerians.

U.S. Military Operations in the Region
U.S. intelligence flights have been conducted over Nigeria since late November. The strike is the first major military action in Nigeria under Trump’s direction since he warned of threats to Christians in the country. The Pentagon and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said “more operations may follow”.

The airstrike in Nigeria comes shortly after the U.S. carried out large-scale attacks on Daesh targets in Syria, following suspected attacks on American forces there.