US Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria

On December 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had launched a "powerful and deadly strike" against Islamic State (ISIS) forces in northwest Nigeria. The strike targeted militants accused of perpetrating violence primarily against Christians, which Trump had previously condemned. Though specific details about the military operation were not disclosed, Trump emphasized that the action was in response to continued attacks by ISIS on innocent Christian communities. He stated that the strikes were executed flawlessly by U.S. forces and reiterated a firm stance against radical Islamic terrorism. The administration had earlier taken steps in response to these incidents, including planning military action and imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians involved in such violence. The U.S. also recently designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act due to these religiously motivated attacks.