Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Christmas Day Military Strikes as US Official Warns of More Attacks
The Nigerian government has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day, according to the country's foreign minister this week.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Discussions Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "lengthy" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"The strikes had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The holiday military operation were hailed by some political allies of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US defense leader has indicated further military actions are likely.
The situation highlights the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in combating militant groups in the region.
