The President of the United States announced late tonight that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, citing the group’s alleged attacks on civilians, particularly Christians.
In a statement released from the White House, the President said the strikes were ordered in his role as Commander in Chief and described them as “numerous” and “precise.” He asserted that the operation was conducted by the Department of Defense and warned that further action would follow if attacks on civilians continued.
The President characterized the targeted militants as part of radical Islamic terrorism and said the United States would not allow such groups to “prosper.” He added that he had previously issued warnings to the militants and framed the operation as a response to continued violence.
U.S. officials did not immediately provide independent details on the scope of the strikes, casualty figures, or the specific locations targeted. Nigerian authorities had not publicly commented at the time of publication, and the claims could not be independently verified.
The statement concluded with praise for the U.S. military and a holiday message, as the announcement was made on Christmas Day.
Further information from the Pentagon and regional partners is expected as details of the operation emerge.
