Nigeria Discloses It Furnished Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Warns of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has announced that it played a role in the US airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for targeting Christians.
Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both prior to and following the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, 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 met with praise by certain political allies of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a more fitting manner to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is described as an "ongoing process" with potential for more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A senior US official has signaled further strikes are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in combating militant groups in the Sahel area.
