Nigeria Discloses It Supplied Key Information for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
The Nigerian government has stated that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Former President Donald Trump had announced the strikes against Islamic State fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after a period of decrying the organization for attacking Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both before and after the attack.
He also noted that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the military action. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include other countries.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
US Warns of Further Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Supporters' Response 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.
"There is no a more fitting manner to celebrate Christmas than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known political figure on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the targeting are solely about counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American defense leader has indicated additional strikes are likely.
This development highlights the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in combating terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
