Military Intervention: Trump Strikes ISIS After Months of Warnings

President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The operation represented a fulfillment of months of escalating warnings from the administration.
The strikes came after Trump characterized violence against Nigerian Christians in October and November as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal levels. The president had repeatedly threatened military intervention if attacks persisted, setting clear expectations that have now materialized through strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump’s announcement emphasized that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He highlighted American military superiority and his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States. This collaboration involves intelligence sharing and strategic planning to address terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, whether Christian or Muslim.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and indicated that additional operations might follow. He referenced Trump’s previous clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video documentation showing weaponry being deployed from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners while ensuring religious freedom for all its citizens.