The Nigerian Government Reveals It Supplied Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Warns of More Operations
The Nigerian foreign ministry has stated that it played a role in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the country's foreign minister this week.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks targeting ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria after a period of decrying the group for attacking Christians.
Detailed Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "extensive" discussions with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio both before and after the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's leader, Bola Tinubu, had approved for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would potentially include international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a specific faith," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about attacking terrorists who have been murdering Nigerian citizens."
American Official Predicts of More Strikes in Nigeria
Shortly following the initial strikes, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to stop the killing of Christians, a stance echoed by the former president. In a public statement, Hegseth stated, "The president was clear... the murder of Christian civilians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were hailed by certain supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a forceful response to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to celebrate Christmas than by responding to the killings of Christians," commented one prominent political figure on a digital platform.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria actively provided key intelligence for the US-led airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "ongoing process" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Non-Religious Aim: Nigerian officials maintain the strikes are solely about combating militants, not religion.
- American Stance: A top American official has signaled additional strikes are likely.
The situation underscores the complex security cooperation between the West African nation and the US in addressing terrorist threats in the Sahel area.