Abuja: The US conducted “powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS (Daesh) targets in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced Thursday on his Truth Social platform. “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!” he said.

According to Philippines News Agency, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated in a post on the US social media company X’s platform that it launched the strikes “at the request of Nigerian authorities” in Sokoto State, “killing multiple ISIS terrorists.” The statement highlighted that lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of the US military and its commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the strikes in a post on X. He noted that the President had been clear last month that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must end. Hegseth emphasized that the Department of War is always ready, and ISIS found that out during the Christmas strikes. He expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government’s support and cooperation.