US Launches New Strikes in Nigeria, Warns of Follow-Up
Following a surprise Christmas Day attack on a terrorist target in Nigeria, the United States (US) warned that further attacks are possible. The Nigerian government expressed its readiness to cooperate with the US in addressing the evolving terrorist threat. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said on Friday that this is a new phase in a long-running conflict, and they are ready for continued intervention alongside the US.
The US-led strikes were aimed at destroying the ISIS terrorist group in the Sokoto region of northwestern Nigeria, following terrorist attacks on Christian communities in the country. President Donald Trump stated via social media that the strikes were part of a larger effort to address threats posed to civilians, particularly Christians who were targeted. He also stressed that more attacks would be carried out if the terrorist group did not stop.
While the attacks have drawn criticism from some, including in the United States, who consider them a form of foreign interference, the Nigerian government has emphasized that the threat is a regional security issue, not simply a religious conflict. With intelligence assistance from the Nigerian government, this attack is seen as a larger strategic move to defuse existing tensions and reduce the influence of terrorist groups in the region.
Source: Newsmaker.id
