The Nigerian Government Discloses It Supplied Key Information for Recent Airstrikes as US Official Warns of More Operations
Nigeria's government has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the US airstrikes carried out on December 25, according to the country's foreign minister on Friday.
Ex-President Donald Trump had announced the strikes targeting ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after a period of criticizing the group for attacking Christians.
Detailed Consultations Came Before the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He also noted that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had given the "go-ahead" for the airstrikes. Tuggar did not rule out further strikes, describing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"This operation had nothing to do with a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is to do with targeting militants who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of Further Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth cautioned of additional military actions against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to halt the killing of Christians, a position echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was explicit... the killing of Christian civilians in Nigeria must end. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by certain political allies of the former president, who had been agitating for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"I can’t think of a better way to observe the holiday than by avenging the death of Christians," posted one well-known activist on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied crucial information for the American operation.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- American Stance: A top American defense leader has indicated further strikes are on the horizon.
This development highlights the evolving military partnership between Nigeria and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.
