Questions linger over a U.S. military operation in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, with Washington and Abuja insisting the strikes targeted ISIS militants. The operation, which occurred near communities in northeastern Nigeria, drew scrutiny after President Donald Trump described the action as targeting those responsible for killing "innocent Christians."
Analysts note that ISIS has not claimed activity in the region since mid-2025, raising doubts about the justification for the strikes. Local sources reported civilian casualties, though U.S. officials deny this. Security experts suggest the operation may have inadvertently targeted splinter groups or rival factions, complicating counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
The incident highlights growing concerns about foreign military interventions in the Sahel, where extremist violence has displaced millions. Regional governments have yet to issue unified statements, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions over external involvement in African security matters.
