Nigeria Reveals It Provided Intelligence for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Warns of Additional Operations
Nigeria's government has announced that it played a role in the American military operation conducted on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the aerial attacks targeting Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of criticizing the group for targeting Christians.
Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" 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 given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.
"The strikes had nothing to do with a specific faith," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
American Official Predicts of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to stop the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by certain political allies of the former president, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent activist on social media.
Main Takeaways from the Announcement
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A senior US official has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.
This development underscores the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in combating militant groups in the region.
