Nigeria Reveals It Supplied Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has announced that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for targeting Christians.
Detailed Consultations Came Before the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was explicit... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the former president, who had been calling for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.
"I can’t think of a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one well-known political figure on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the US-led airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is described as an "ongoing process" with potential for more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are focused on combating militants, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A senior US official has signaled further strikes are likely.
This development underscores the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in addressing militant groups in the region.
