U.S. Launches Christmas Day Airstrikes on ISIS-Linked Targets in Northwest Nigeria

 U.S. Launches Christmas Day Airstrikes on ISIS-Linked Targets in Northwest Nigeria



In a dramatic escalation of U.S. military involvement in West Africa, President Donald Trumpannounced on Christmas Day that American forces conducted a “powerful and deadly” airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria. The operation, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, targeted ISIS-linked camps in Sokoto State and has sparked widespread debate over security cooperation, religious narratives, and the complex violence plaguing Africa’s most populous nation.

The strikes occurred late Thursday (December 25, 2025) in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza local government in Sokoto State, near the border with Niger. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the action was taken “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and killed multiple ISIS terrorists in two targeted camps.

According to Nigerian officials, the targets were foreign ISIS fighters and local affiliates from the Lakurawa group (also known as Islamic State Sahel Province), who were allegedly using the sites as staging grounds for large-scale attacks. The operation involved precision-guided munitions, including over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy warship in the Gulf of Guinea, supplemented by MQ-9 Reaper drones. Debris from the strikes fell in nearby villages like Jabo (Sokoto State) and Offa (Kwara State), but no civilian casualties were reported.

Residents in Jabo described the night sky glowing red for hours, with homes shaking from the explosions. One local farmer told reporters the blasts felt like “the end of the world,” though security forces quickly cordoned off affected areas.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nigerian Government’s Response To Trumps Airstrike

Image
Nigerian Government’s Response To Trumps Airstrike  Nigeria’s government framed the strikes as a joint counterterrorism effort, emphasizing intelligence sharing and coordination. Foreign Minister  Yusuf Tuggar  described it as a “new phase of an old conflict” against terrorism, not tied to any religion. Information Minister  Mohammed Idris  highlighted that the camps targeted foreign elements planning attacks on Nigerians regardless of faith. President  Bola Tinubu , in his Christmas message, reaffirmed commitment to religious freedom and protecting all citizens. Officials stressed that violence in Nigeria affects Muslims and Christians alike, rejecting claims of a targeted “Christian genocide.” Broader Context and Criticism Nigeria faces multifaceted security threats: Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast, bandits and Lakurawa in the northwest, and communal clashes in the Middle Belt. Analysts note that while ISIS-linked groups have grown in the northwest,...
Read more

Super Eagles Secure Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Tunisia in AFCON 2025

Image
  Super Eagles Secure Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Tunisia in AFCON 2025  Nigeria’s Super Eagles edged Tunisia 3-2 in a high-intensity match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The win secures Nigeria’s qualification for the knockout stages and avenges their 2021 AFCON round-of-16 defeat to the Carthage Eagles. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the  44th minute  with a powerful header from a pinpoint cross by Ademola Lookman, breaking his tournament goal drought and sending Nigeria into the lead at halftime. The second half exploded into action. Captain  Wilfred Ndidi  doubled the advantage early on with a clinical header from a set piece, before Ademola Lookman sealed what seemed like a comfortable win around the  67th minute  with a composed finish after a swift team move involving Alex Iwobi and Osimhen. Tunisia fought back valiantly.  Montassar Talbi  pulled one back with a header, before a controvers...
Read more