Christmas Operation: Trump Strikes ISIS After Months of Escalating Warnings

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that American forces had conducted a Christmas operation against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The strikes came after months of escalating warnings from the administration.
The military action followed Trump’s characterization in October and November of violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal levels. The president had repeatedly threatened military intervention if attacks persisted, building pressure that culminated in strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants who had been systematically killing innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses such military capabilities and reaffirmed 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 between the two countries. 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 expressed gratitude to Nigeria for enabling the strikes and indicated that additional operations could follow. He noted that ISIS had learned consequences on Christmas. The Pentagon released video documentation showing weaponry being deployed from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country maintains its commitment to religious tolerance.