Washington, Dec 26, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump, has announced a strike on Islamic State targets in Nigeria, in response to the “slaughter of Christians.”
“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Thursday.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” the president added, without offering detail on the number of victims.
The latest incident comes at a time of increasing insecurity in Africa’s most populous country, which has struggled with Islamist violence for several years.
In recent weeks, mass abductions from churches and schools have caused unrest and fear among the population.
Trump warned in early November that Washington could become involved over attacks on Christians, calling on the Nigerian government to prevent further bloodshed or face reduced aid deliveries.
However, violence has continued, with at least five people killed and 35 injured in a suicide bombing in the country’s north-east, a police spokesman said on Thursday.
Following the US strikes on Christmas Day, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
GNA