On Thursday, the United States carried out military strikes targeting ISIS in Nigeria, according to an announcement by President Trump. He emphasized that the action was in response to the group’s attacks on Christians in the area.

“This evening, under my command as the nation’s leader, we launched a decisive and lethal strike against ISIS Terrorists in Northwest Nigeria. These terrorists have been brutally targeting and killing innocent Christians at a scale unseen in recent times,” Trump shared on Truth Social.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed in a statement that the operation resulted in the deaths of several ISIS members.

“Responding to a request from Nigerian authorities, AFRICOM executed a strike in Soboto State, successfully eliminating multiple ISIS terrorists. These decisive actions underscore the power of our military forces and our unwavering dedication to eradicating terrorist threats against Americans, wherever they may arise,” the statement read.

Trump also referenced his statement from November, where he warned of potential military intervention in Nigeria if efforts were not made to curb violence against Christians.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he wrote on Thursday. “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

“May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” he continued.

Trump in November labeled the African nation a “country of particular concern” (CPC) because of religious violence. 

The designation outlines a plan for the president to consult with the designated government, draft a foreign policy action plan, and consult with Congress about implementation — within 90 days. 

The Trump administration also began to conduct daily surveillance flights over Nigeria under the direction of Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Reuters reported.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote in a Thursday post on X.

“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

Last month, Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris said leaders are working to address terrorism and welcomed help from the U.S.

“The Government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the United States, other friendly nations and partners, to achieve our shared goal, the complete elimination of terrorism on Nigerian soil,” Idris said at a November press conference, according to Reuters.

As of November, more than 13,500 militants have been killed, 17,000 suspects arrested, and over 11,200 hostages — including women and children — rescued, he said.

Last month, rapper Nicki Minaj received pushback after joining the U.S. Ambassador the United Nations Mike Waltz at an event geared towards combatting violence against Christians in Nigeria.