Nigeria Confirms It Supplied Key Information for Recent Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Attacks
Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on Christmas Day, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christian communities.
Extensive Consultations Came Before the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "The objective is about targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against ISIS locations in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "He was explicit... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the violence against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one well-known activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the US-led operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American official has signaled further military actions are likely.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
