U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has carried out deadly military strikes against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
In a public statement, Trump said U.S. forces conducted “powerful and precise” airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants operating in northwest Nigeria. He described the operation as a decisive response to ongoing extremist violence in the region, claiming the strikes eliminated a significant number of fighters and disrupted terrorist infrastructure.
“These terrorists have been responsible for brutal attacks against innocent civilians,” Trump said, adding that the United States would continue to act decisively against Islamic State threats wherever they emerge.
U.S. officials confirmed that the strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, emphasizing close intelligence sharing and operational cooperation. Nigerian authorities also acknowledged the operation, describing it as part of a broader effort to weaken extremist groups that have destabilized parts of the country for years.
While exact casualty figures have not been released, early assessments indicate that multiple Islamic State militants were killed in the strikes. U.S. defense officials said the targets included training camps and logistical hubs used by the group to plan and launch attacks.
The Islamic State’s presence in Nigeria has grown in recent years, particularly through its West Africa affiliate, which has carried out deadly assaults on both civilians and security forces. The group operates alongside other extremist factions, exploiting remote terrain, weak governance, and long-standing social tensions.
Analysts say the U.S. strikes reflect renewed American willingness to intervene militarily in Africa when partner nations face escalating extremist threats. The operation also signals continued U.S. focus on preventing Islamic State from regaining strength following setbacks in the Middle East.
Trump has repeatedly criticized what he described as insufficient international action against extremist violence in Africa. In his announcement, he framed the strikes as part of a broader global campaign to eliminate Islamic State networks and prevent the group from expanding its reach.
The strikes have drawn mixed reactions internationally. Supporters argue that U.S. military involvement provides critical support to Nigerian forces struggling to contain extremist groups. Critics, however, warn that airstrikes alone cannot resolve the underlying political, economic, and social factors fueling militancy in the region.
Human rights groups have also called for transparency, urging both governments to ensure civilian protection and accountability during military operations. Nigerian officials stated that precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm and that the strikes were based on verified intelligence.
The U.S. military has increased counterterrorism cooperation across Africa in recent years, including training missions, intelligence support, and limited strike operations. Officials say these efforts are designed to support local forces rather than replace them.
As Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, the latest U.S. strikes underscore the growing international concern over extremist activity in West Africa. Whether the operation delivers lasting impact will depend on sustained cooperation, governance reforms, and long-term stabilization efforts.
For now, Trump’s announcement places Nigeria at the center of the global fight against Islamic State once again.
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