U.S. Launches Christmas Night Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Nigeria, Trump Announces

President Donald Trump announced on Christmas night that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, describing the operation as a response to recent attacks he said targeted Christian communities.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he directed the military to conduct “powerful and deadly” strikes against what he called “ISIS Terrorist Scum,” accusing the group of “viciously killing” innocent Christians in the region. He added that he had previously warned extremist groups that continued violence would prompt U.S. action.

According to Trump, the operation involved “numerous perfect strikes,” though U.S. military officials did not immediately release independent details about the scale or impact of the mission. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly supported the announcement, noting cooperation with the Nigerian governmentNBC News.

Reports from multiple outlets indicate the strikes were carried out in northwest Nigeria, with some sources identifying Sokoto State as one of the targeted areas. Nigerian officials have not yet issued a full statement, and analysts have noted that violence in the region affects people of multiple faiths, not only ChristiansNBC News.

The Christmas night operation marks one of the most forceful U.S. military actions in West Africa announced during Trump’s presidency, with the president reiterating his commitment to confronting extremist groups abroad

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