Nigeria Confirms It Furnished Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day, as stated by the nation's foreign minister this week.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for targeting Christian communities.
Extensive Discussions Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio both before and after the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some political allies of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The campaign is described as an "continuing mission" with potential for future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US defense leader has indicated further military actions are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in addressing militant groups in the region.
