Nigeria Reveals It Furnished Intelligence for US-Led Military Strikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
The Nigerian foreign ministry has confirmed that it provided crucial intelligence in the American military operation carried out on December 25, as stated by the nation's foreign minister this week.
Former President Donald Trump previously declared the aerial attacks against ISIS fighters in the northwestern region of Nigeria after spending weeks decrying the group for attacking Christian communities.
Detailed Consultations Preceded the Military Action
Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated that he had engaged in "lengthy" phone conversations with America's top diplomat Marco Rubio immediately before and after the attack.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the military action. Tuggar left the door open for additional operations, describing them as an "ongoing process" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an interview with the BBC. "It is to do with attacking terrorists who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Strikes in Nigeria
Hours after the initial strikes, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned of additional military actions against ISIS locations in north-western Nigeria.
Hegseth characterized the action as part of efforts to stop the targeting of Christian individuals, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a public statement, Hegseth wrote, "The president was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Supporters' Response to the Military Action
The Christmas Day strikes were hailed by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been calling for a strong military reaction to the attacks against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent political figure on social media.
Main Takeaways from the Revelations
- Intelligence Sharing: Nigeria supplied key intelligence for the American airstrikes.
- Presidential Authorization: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the military action.
- Ongoing Process: The campaign is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of future actions.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the strikes are solely about counter-terrorism, not religious affiliation.
- US Commitment: A top American defense leader has signaled additional military actions are likely.
The situation highlights the evolving military partnership between the West African nation and the United States in combating terrorist threats in the region.
