On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, the United States launched a series of significant airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Northwest Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State.
This operation marks a major escalation in U.S. military involvement in West Africa. Here are the key details of the strike:
The Operation
* Method: The strikes involved Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy warship (likely the USS Paul Ignatius) stationed in the Gulf of Guinea.
* Targets: Two specific ISIS camps in the Bauni Forest (Tangaza region) and areas near the village of Jabo in Sokoto State were targeted.
* Casualties: U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported that "multiple terrorists" were killed. No U.S. personnel were on the ground during the operation.
Political Context
* Presidential Direction: President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social, describing them as "powerful and deadly" hits against "ISIS Terrorist Scum."
* Religious Justification: The administration framed the strikes as a direct response to the "systematic persecution and killing of Christians" in Nigeria. Trump stated he had previously warned that there would be "hell to pay" if the violence against Christian communities did not stop.
* Coordination: While the U.S. emphasized its protection of Christians, the Nigerian Government clarified that the operation was a joint counter-terrorism effort aimed at protecting all citizens, regardless of faith. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that intelligence was shared between the two countries prior to the strikes.
Groups Involved
While the strikes were directed at "ISIS," security analysts indicate the primary targets were likely:
* Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP)
* Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP)
* Lakurawa: A newer, lethal insurgent group in Northwest Nigeria that has recently pledged allegiance to ISIS.
What’s Next?
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Trump have both signaled that these strikes may not be a one-off event. Hegseth posted "More to come..." on social media, suggesting a "new phase" of active U.S. military intervention against extremist groups in the region.
Would you like me to find more information on the specific groups targeted or the international reaction to these strikes?
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