US-led Airstrikes Target ISIS in Nigeria Amid Ongoing Operations and Diplomatic Moves
Nigeria's foreign minister has confirmed that Nigeria provided intelligence for US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria. The operation reportedly had the approval of Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, and is ongoing, potentially involving other countries. The strikes are framed as counterterrorism efforts targeting militants responsible for killing Nigerians and have been explicitly stated by Nigerian officials to have no religious motive.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned of further strikes against ISIS targets in the region, emphasizing the Pentagon's readiness to continue operations. He positioned the actions within the context of protecting Christian communities from killings. The strikes have been welcomed by supporters of former President Trump, with notable figures such as Laura Loomer publicly praising the operation and condemning Islamic terrorists.
In parallel diplomatic developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to travel to the United States for important discussions with former President Trump. The talks, expected to take place at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday, are part of ongoing US-led efforts to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow and relate to a broader 28-point US plan.
