Trump Warns of Possible Further U.S. Air Strikes in Nigeria Over Attacks on Christians
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could carry out additional air strikes in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue. His comments came amid a recent Christmas Day strike by the U.S. military targeting Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with the New York Times, Trump said he would prefer the strike to be a “one-time” operation but added, “If they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
The December operation was conducted at Nigeria’s request, with both the U.S. and Nigerian governments describing it as a joint counterterrorism effort against militants, emphasizing that the strike was not aimed at any particular religion.
When questioned about reports that Islamist insurgents, including Islamic State and Boko Haram, have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump acknowledged that Muslims are also victims but maintained that “it’s mostly Christians” who are being targeted.
Trump has previously raised concerns over what he calls an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria, suggesting that the country has failed to protect Christian communities and hinting at potential military intervention if the violence persists.
The Nigerian Federal Government has consistently rejected claims of religious targeting, stating that both Muslims and Christians have suffered at the hands of Islamist militants and that the country faces widespread security challenges, including insurgency and kidnappings, particularly in the north.
