US Launches Airstrikes on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States had conducted airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, citing attacks on Christians as the reason for the operation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he directed the strikes as commander in chief, describing them as powerful and numerous actions carried out by the U.S. military. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries," Trump wrote. He added that he had previously warned the militants to stop such attacks, or face severe consequences, and concluded the message with well-wishes to the military and a holiday greeting. No further details on the strikes, such as targets hit or casualties, were immediately released by U.S. officials.

The operation follows months of escalating U.S. concerns over violence in Nigeria. In November, Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action, arguing that the Nigerian government had...