U.S. President Donald Trump has disclosed that American airstrikes against suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria were intentionally delayed so they could be carried out around Christmas.
Trump announced late Thursday that the United States had launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against IS fighters. In an interview with Politico, he said the decision on timing was his.
“They were going to do it earlier,” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Nope, let’s give a Christmas present.’”
The Nigerian government confirmed it cooperated with the United States on the operation through intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.
Government spokesperson Mohammed Idris said the strikes were launched shortly after midnight from the Gulf of Guinea and involved “16 GPS-guided precision” missiles and MQ-9 Reaper drones.
The airstrikes, which targeted an alleged IS camp in Sokoto State, were felt by nearby communities. In Jabo village, residents said the explosions shook homes and lit up the sky. Sanusi Madabo, a 40-year-old farmer, said he initially thought a plane had crashed.
“The light burned bright for hours,” Madabo said. “It was almost like daytime.”
Trump said the militants targeted were “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” However, residents and security analysts have noted that Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis affects both Christians and Muslims across the country.
The full impact of the strikes, including casualties and damage, has yet to be independently confirmed.
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