On Christmas Day, Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes in northern Nigeria against Islamic State affiliates, citing Christian persecution, amid complex regional conflicts.

On Christmas Day, President Trump issued an order for the United States. Airstrikes were launched on Islamic State targets in northern Nigeria, citing Christian persecution as a primary reason. The operation, which was carried out with Nigeria's cooperation, targeted militants linked to IS-WA, a group responsible for violence throughout the region. Trump had previously designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" under religious freedom laws and threatened military intervention if the government failed to act. While the United States. While evangelical groups and lawmakers highlight religious persecution, analysts point out that the violence is caused by complex issues such as land disputes, ethnic tensions, and criminal activity that affects all communities. Nigeria emphasized that extremists target people of all faiths, and the strikes mark a significant escalation in the United States. despite Trump's previous promises to reduce foreign military engagements.