President Donald Trump ordered the United States military to carry out a series of airstrikes in Northwest Nigeria on Christmas night.
The operation targeted ISIS militants following a wave of deadly attacks on Christian communities in the region.
The President announced the mission on Truth Social, describing the strikes as a “powerful and deadly” response to the “vicious killing” of innocent Christians.
Trump stated that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” and warned that more actions would follow if the violence does not stop.
“Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,” Trump wrote, adding that he had previously warned the group there would be “hell to pay” for the slaughter of religious worshippers.
The military action comes just weeks after the Trump administration introduced a new visa-restriction policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the State Department will now deny visas to individuals involved in violating religious freedoms.
This policy also extends to the immediate family members of those accused of supporting or carrying out such violence.
The U.S. government has officially designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a move the Nigerian government has previously disputed.
The airstrikes follow several high-profile attacks in Nigeria:
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Kwara State: Gunmen recently attacked Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing two and kidnapping dozens.
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Niger State: More than 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s School. While some escaped, over 250 students remain in captivity.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is taking “decisive action” against radical Islamic terrorists and Fulani ethnic militias responsible for these atrocities.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” Rubio stated, echoing the President’s hardline stance.
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