Trump announces U.S. strikes on Islamic State targets in Nigeria

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a strike on Islamic State targets in Nigeria in response to the “slaughter of Christians.”

“The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Thursday.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” the president added.

The Pentagon released a video showing what appeared to be a missile being fired from a U.S. warship.

No information was initially released on the number of victims.

The latest incident comes at a time of increasing insecurity in Africa’s most populous country, which has struggled with Islamist violence for several years.

The terrorist organisation, Boko Haram has its roots in Nigeria and in recent weeks, mass abductions from churches and schools have caused unrest and fear among the population.

Trump warned in early November that Washington could become involved over attacks on Christians, calling on the Nigerian government to prevent further bloodshed or face reduced aid deliveries.

However, violence has continued, with at least five people killed and 35 injured in a suicide bombing in the country’s north-east, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

Following the U.S. strikes on Christmas Day, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”

According to the United States Africa Command, the targets were in the Nigerian state of Sokoto.