The United States President, Donald Trump said in a statement that the United States carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of targeting and killing Christian civilians.
In the statement, Trump said the operation was conducted “at my direction as Commander in Chief” and described the strikes as “powerful and deadly.” He claimed the militants had been responsible for violence against Christians “at levels not seen for many years,” and warned that further attacks would lead to additional U.S. military action.
Trump said the strikes were carried out by what he referred to as the “Department of War,” praising the military for executing what he called “numerous perfect strikes.” He added that under his leadership, the United States would not allow “radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.”
The statement concluded with praise for the U.S. military and a Christmas message.
U.S. defense officials did not immediately comment on the statement, and the claims could not be independently verified.
