The Nigerian Government Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
Nigeria's foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against Islamic State militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities.
Extensive Discussions Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve other countries.
"This operation had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of Further Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation 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.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is described as an "ongoing process" with potential for more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American official has indicated additional military actions are on the horizon.
This development highlights the complex military partnership between the West African nation and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
