The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Key Information for Recent Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the organization for attacking Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, 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 stance reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were met with praise by some political allies of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.
"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on a digital platform.
Main Takeaways from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A senior US defense leader has signaled additional strikes are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.