The Nigerian Government Reveals It Provided Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation carried out on Christmas Day, according to the nation's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting ISIS militants in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Extensive Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "lengthy" phone conversations with US Secretary of State 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, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve other countries.
"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar emphasized in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Hours after the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a position reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, "He was clear... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way 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 supplied key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Continuous Effort: The operation is described as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- US Commitment: A senior US official has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.
The situation highlights the complex security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
