Source TOI
Washington: Former US President Donald Trump has ordered a series of deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Nigeria, citing the extremist group’s continued attacks on civilians, including Christians, as the reason for the military action. Trump said the strikes were aimed at dismantling ISIS-linked networks operating in parts of West Africa and warned that further action could follow.
In a strongly worded statement, Trump accused ISIS militants of “viciously killing innocent Christians and other civilians” and vowed that the United States would not remain silent in the face of what he described as barbaric violence. “These terrorists have carried out horrific massacres. We will hit them hard and we will hit them fast,” he said.
According to US officials, the strikes targeted key ISIS camps, weapons depots and command centres in Nigeria’s northeastern region, where ISIS-affiliated groups have been active for years. The operation was carried out in coordination with intelligence inputs and was designed to minimise civilian casualties, officials added.
Nigeria has long battled multiple extremist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoots linked to ISIS, which have been responsible for mass killings, kidnappings and attacks on villages, churches and security forces. Violence in the region has displaced millions and created one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Trump signalled that the latest strikes may not be the last. “This is a warning to ISIS and all terrorist organisations operating in Africa and elsewhere. If you target innocent people, especially for their faith, you will face overwhelming force,” he said, hinting at expanded counter-terror operations if attacks continue.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued a detailed response, but security analysts say international military pressure could weaken ISIS-linked groups in the short term. However, experts also caution that long-term stability will depend on improved governance, local security capacity and addressing the socio-economic roots of extremism.
The strikes mark a renewed emphasis on aggressive counter-terror measures, with Trump once again positioning himself as a leader willing to use military force against extremist groups, while framing the action as a defence of persecuted religious communities.
