U.S. strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day were lauded by some Donald Trump supporters, who viewed the action as a response to the killings of Christians in the country. The strikes, which took place in Offa, Kwara state, targeted IS militants, according to reports.
Laura Loomer, a far-right political activist, expressed her approval on X, stating, "I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians through the justified mass killing of Islamic terrorists. You've got to love it! Death to all Islamic terrorists! Thank you." Loomer claimed she received information about the strikes from the U.S. defense department, which the Trump administration referred to as the war department, indicating the strikes involved American cruise missiles and were carried out in conjunction with the Nigerian government.
The U.S. military has been increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, including target identification and strike coordination. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including satellite imagery and social media activity, to identify potential threats and predict enemy movements. This technology raises ethical concerns about autonomous weapons systems and the potential for unintended consequences. The development and deployment of AI in military contexts are subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny, with international organizations and governments grappling with the need for regulation and oversight.
The strikes occurred after months of calls from some Trump supporters for the former president to take decisive action against those responsible for attacks against Christians in Nigeria. The situation in Nigeria has been marked by ongoing conflict between various groups, including religious and ethnic factions. The U.S. government has previously provided assistance to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, including military training and equipment.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the U.S. strikes. Further details about the extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still emerging. The U.S. military is expected to release more information about the operation in the coming days.
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