US President Donald Trump has warned of potential further military action in Nigeria if attacks on the country’s Christian population continue. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Trump stated that the US may carry out additional strikes if the killing of Christians persists. This comes after a US military operation was conducted in Sokoto, Nigeria, on Christmas Day, which Trump described as a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS terrorists targeting innocent Christians.
Trump had previously declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in October due to allegations of Christian genocide, which the Nigerian government has denied. Despite these denials, Trump has maintained that Christianity is under an existential threat in the country. The US president has also threatened to take military action if the Nigerian government fails to address the issue, stating that US military action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The Nigerian government and international observers have disputed Trump’s claims of Christian persecution, pointing out that people of all faiths are targeted by armed groups in the country. However, Trump has emphasized that he believes Christians are the primary victims of these attacks. In the New York Times interview, Trump acknowledged that Muslims are also affected by radical extremist attacks but reiterated his concern for the Christian population.
The US military operation in Sokoto was part of a broader effort to combat radical Islamic groups in the region. Trump has stated that the US will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper under his leadership. The situation in Nigeria remains a concern, with ongoing violence and instability affecting communities across the country. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and whether further military action is taken.
