Conflict Secretary Hegseth Vows Extra to Are available Nigeria

[ad_1] Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth mentioned Thursday night time that U.S. forces struck Islamic State group targets in Nigeria on Christmas, confirming navy motion after President Donald Trump warned that continued killings of Christians would set off direct American intervention.

"The President was clear final month: the killing of harmless Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) should finish," Hegseth posted on X. "The @DeptofWar is at all times prepared, so ISIS discovered tonight — on Christmas. Extra to come back ... Grateful for Nigerian authorities assist & cooperation. Merry Christmas!"

Hegseth's assertion got here after Trump mentioned that america had launched a strike towards ISIS militants working in northwest Nigeria.

"Tonight, at my path as Commander in Chief, america launched a strong and lethal strike towards ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who've been concentrating on and viciously killing, primarily, harmless Christians, at ranges not seen for a few years, and even Centuries!" Trump wrote.

Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to guard Christians from Islamist violence and warned that U.S. navy motion was imminent if situations didn't change.

"Sure sir. The killing of harmless Christians in Nigeria, and anyplace, should finish instantly. The Division of Conflict is making ready for motion. Both the Nigerian Authorities protects Christians, or we are going to kill the Islamic Terrorists who're committing these horrible atrocities," Trump wrote earlier.

The U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that the strike was performed in coordination with Nigerian authorities. In a now-deleted assertion posted on X, the command mentioned it had "performed a strike on the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing a number of ISIS terrorists."

"Deadly strikes towards ISIS reveal the power of our navy and our dedication to eliminating terrorist threats towards Individuals at house and overseas," the command mentioned.

Neither Hegseth nor Trump supplied particulars concerning the strike, together with the weapons used or the extent of injury.

Associates of the Islamic State group have expanded operations in components of Nigeria in recent times, finishing up assaults towards civilians, safety forces, and spiritual communities.

Violence towards Christians has drawn elevated consideration from non secular freedom advocates and U.S. officers.

Jim Thomas ✉ Jim Thomas is a author based mostly in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's diploma in Political Science, a regulation diploma from U.I.C. Legislation Faculty, and has practiced regulation for greater than 20 years.