U.S. Launches Christmas Night Airstrikes on ISIS Militants in Nigeria Amid Rising Christian Killings
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Christmas night, the United States launched a series of airstrikes in northwest Nigeria targeting ISIS militants accused of orchestrating deadly attacks against Christian communities. President Donald Trump announced the operation as a firm response to what he described as “vicious killings” of Christians in the region, warning that further military action would follow if the violence persisted.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump declared, “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 emphasized that the strikes were executed flawlessly by the U.S. military, underscoring the country’s commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism globally.
The operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State, a known hotspot for militant activity. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes in an official post on the social media platform X, stating, “At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who oversees military operations, affirmed that the strikes fulfilled President Trump’s directive to halt the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Nigeria. The president had previously issued stern warnings last month, threatening to “do things in Nigeria that Nigeria is not going to be happy about” and to “go into that now disgraced country guns-a-blazing” if the violence did not cease.
The recent attacks on Christian communities have drawn condemnation from U.S. lawmakers and officials. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) praised the strikes, stating, “I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages who are not only persecuting Christians, but also have killed many Americans.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also expressed support for the military action, posting on X, “Merry Christmas to the Christians in Nigeria and around the world who know tonight that the President of the United States will fight for them.”
The targeted ISIS militants are part of a broader network linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which has intensified attacks on religious minorities and civilians in recent years. The U.S. government has increasingly focused on counterterrorism efforts in Africa, with AFRICOM playing a central role in coordinating and executing operations against extremist groups.
This military action comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, where violence has displaced thousands and threatened regional stability. The U.S. Department of State has condemned the attacks and continues to work with Nigerian authorities to support peace and security initiatives.
President Trump’s Christmas night strikes underscore the administration’s “America First” foreign policy approach, emphasizing decisive military action against terrorist threats abroad. As the situation develops, the U.S. government has pledged to continue monitoring and responding to threats posed by ISIS and affiliated groups in Nigeria and across the region.
For more information on U.S. military operations and counterterrorism efforts, visit the Department of Defense and AFRICOM official websites.
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