U.S. Launches Strikes Against Islamic State Group in Nigeria

The United States launched strikes against militants linked to the Islamic State group (IS) in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting camps in Sokoto state near the border with Niger. The U.S. military confirmed the strikes, stating that the camps were run by the group and that militants were killed.

President Donald Trump described the strikes as "deadly" and labeled the group "terrorist scum" in a Truth Social post, alleging they had been "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians," according to NPR. While casualty numbers remain unclear, both U.S. and Nigerian officials have confirmed militant fatalities.

The strikes come as the Islamic State group has sought to establish a foothold in northwestern Nigeria. According to the BBC, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar stated it was a "joint" effort, though further details of Nigerian involvement were not immediately available.

The U.S. strikes were reportedly ordered by President Trump in response to what he described as the persecution of Christians in the region, NPR reported. The specific targets were alleged Islamic State camps, though further details about the nature of the camps or the militants operating within them have not been released.