Nigeria Confirms It Furnished Key Information for US-Led Airstrikes as Defense Secretary Predicts of Additional Attacks
The Nigerian government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks against ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Discussions Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately prior to and following the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "ongoing process" 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 to do with targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, 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 stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance echoed by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the former president, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent political figure on social media.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American defense leader has signaled additional military actions are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the US in addressing militant groups in the Sahel area.
