Washington: The US conducted "powerful and deadly" strikes against ISIS (Daesh) targets in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced Thursday on his Truth Social platform. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, 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, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" he said.

According to Anadolu Agency, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a post on the US social media company X's platform that it launched the strikes "at the request of Nigerian authorities" in Sokoto State, "killing multiple ISIS terrorists." It added that lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of the military and the commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the strikes in a post on X. He stated that the President was clear last month that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must end. The Department of War is always ready, and ISIS found out tonight-on Christmas. Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigerian government support and cooperation, concluding with "Merry Christmas."

President Trump emphasized the effectiveness of the US military, stating that the Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes. He warned that there would be many more such actions if the slaughter of Christians continues, and extended a Christmas greeting to all, including the deceased terrorists.