U.S. Conducts Rare Christmas Airstrikes Against ISIS in Nigeria at Government's Request

The United States military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a significant and rare direct intervention in the region. The operation was carried out at the formal request of the Nigerian government, according to U.S. officials [35042][35212][35225].

President Donald Trump announced the action, describing it as "powerful and deadly" and stating it targeted an ISIS affiliate responsible for attacking Christian communities [34971][35006]. The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the "precision" strikes, which reportedly killed multiple fighters from the group known as ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) [35042][35439].

This operation represents a notable expansion of U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa. While the U.S. has long provided training and support to Nigerian forces battling extremist groups, direct kinetic action by American aircraft in Nigeria has been uncommon [35042][35212]. The strikes signal a more direct U.S. military role against the ISIS affiliate, which is a major security threat in the region separate from, though sometimes allied with, the notorious Boko Haram militant group [35721][34910].

The exact location, number of casualties, and specific assets used in the Christmas Day operation were not immediately detailed by the Pentagon [34936][35035]. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an extensive public statement, but U.S. officials emphasized the action was taken in close coordination with Abuja [35212][35439].