US Carries Out Airstrikes on Islamic State Positions in Nigeria: Trump

By: The Trek News Desk

US President Donald Trump has stated that American forces conducted “strong and decisive” airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) hideouts in north-western Nigeria. According to him, the operation was aimed at weakening the operational capabilities of extremist groups active in the region.

Trump shared the information on social media, claiming that the US military carried out multiple precision strikes. Shortly after, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the operation took place in Sokoto State and was executed in coordination with Nigerian security authorities.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the action as a “joint military operation” and emphasised that it was not directed at any particular religion. He noted that any future military steps would depend on decisions taken jointly by the leadership of both nations.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defence released a short, unclassified video that appeared to show a missile being launched from a military platform, linked to the operation.

In an official statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country continues to work closely with international partners, including the United States, to address the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent extremism. The ministry added that this security cooperation resulted in targeted airstrikes against terrorist locations in the country’s north-west.

However, organisations monitoring conflict and violence have pointed out that there is no clear evidence suggesting that one religious community has been disproportionately targeted by militant groups in Nigeria. Data indicates that a significant number of victims of extremist violence over the years have also been Muslims.

Previously, Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala stated that terrorist groups have attacked people across communities and faiths, rejecting claims that violence is aimed at a single religion. President Bola Tinubu has also stressed that Nigeria remains committed to religious tolerance, noting that insecurity affects citizens across regions and belief systems.

Nigeria has faced prolonged instability due to the activities of groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in the north-east. In addition, recurring clashes between herders and farming communities in central Nigeria over land and water resources have contributed to ongoing violence, with casualties reported on both sides.

The reported strikes in Nigeria come shortly after the United States announced a large-scale military operation against Islamic State targets in Syria, underscoring Washington’s continued global campaign against extremist organisations.

Source: News Agencies

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