U.S. strikes ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria after attacks on Christians

 U.S. forces have conducted strikes against the Islamic State jihadist group in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced early Thursday on his social media, citing escalating violence against Christians.

Trump stated that the jihadists, whom he called "terrorist scum," had been "attacking and brutally killing predominantly innocent Christians at a level unseen in many years, and even centuries."

He added, "I had previously warned these terrorists that if they didn't stop killing Christians, they would have to pay a very heavy price, which happened. The Department carried out numerous perfect strikes, in a way only the United States can."

 The U.S. has a long-standing counter-terrorism presence in Africa, often operating through drone strikes and special forces support to local militaries.

While ISIS affiliates like ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have been active in northeastern Nigeria for years, their operations have recently spread to the more volatile northwest, often targeting local communities, including Christian populations.

This direct U.S. intervention marks an escalation, moving beyond advisory roles to direct kinetic action in a region where Washington has typically preferred to support Nigerian-led efforts.

The move also signals a more assertive posture from the Trump administration on protecting religious minorities abroad.