ABUJA, Nigeria — In a dramatic escalation of counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, the United States launched airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a rare and highly symbolic military intervention in the country.
- The strikes were carried out on December 25 and targeted Islamic State militants operating in Nigeria’s northwest, a region that has seen a surge in extremist violence in recent years. The operation was confirmed by US officials and later acknowledged by Nigerian authorities as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries.
- Former US President Donald Trump announced the strikes, describing them as a decisive response to what he claimed were repeated attacks by IS-linked militants, particularly against civilian populations. He said the action was meant to send a strong message to extremist groups operating in the region.
Coordinated Operation With Nigerian Authorities
- Nigerian officials confirmed that the strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, emphasising that the operation was based on intelligence sharing and mutual security arrangements. Abuja stressed that the fight against terrorism remains a national priority and that international partnerships play a critical role in addressing the threat posed by armed groups.
- The Nigerian government also clarified that terrorist violence in the country affects all communities, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and warned against framing the conflict in purely sectarian terms.
What We Know About the Strikes
- The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated that multiple IS militants were killed, though it did not disclose exact casualty figures or provide details on the weapons used. Officials said assessments were ongoing to determine the full impact of the operation.
- The targeted militants are believed to be linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group responsible for deadly attacks, kidnappings and raids across several parts of Nigeria.
Political and Regional Implications
- The timing of the strikes — carried out on Christmas Day — has drawn significant attention and sparked debate internationally. While US officials framed the action as a necessary counterterrorism measure, analysts caution that such interventions can have complex political and security consequences in an already volatile region.
- Security experts note that Nigeria has long struggled with multiple insurgencies, including Boko Haram and IS-affiliated factions, and that foreign military involvement, while impactful, does not replace long-term local security reforms.
What Comes Next
- The Christmas Day strikes underscore the growing international concern over extremist expansion in West Africa, particularly in areas where militant groups exploit weak governance and economic hardship.
- As Nigeria and its allies continue operations against armed groups, observers will be watching closely to see whether the US intervention delivers a lasting blow to IS networks — or whether it further complicates an already fragile security landscape.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.