US launches deadly strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians, President Trump says

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced via his social media platform that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria. According to Trump, these terrorists have been predominantly targeting and brutally killing innocent Christians.

This announcement follows a video Trump shared in early November, where he threatened military intervention in Nigeria, declaring he would go in “guns-a-blazing.” Around the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed Trump’s stance, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the Department of Defense was gearing up for action.

In his social media post, Trump emphasized, “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. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

The specifics regarding the strike’s outcome or its precise targets remain unclear. ABC News has reached out to the White House seeking further details.

Hegseth, in another post on X, hinted at additional actions to come and expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation.

He reiterated the President’s stance from the previous month, emphasizing that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must come to an end.

“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.”

Hegseth ended his post with, “Merry Christmas!”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

You May Also Like

Ex-cop accused of killing jogger went to work with kids at NYC school after slaying — and previously killed family pet: sources

Ex-NYC Cop Accused of Killing Jogger Worked at School After Slaying

The former NYPD officer accused of killing a Brooklyn jogger returned to…
Man killed in fiery Kentucky jet crash told daughter of trouble in midair

Kentucky Jet Crash Victim Told Daughter of Midair Trouble Before Fire

A 70-year-old Wisconsin man died Sunday, Nov. 8, after his military-style jet…
'SNL' writer’s sister vanished — now her boyfriend and rival face charges in deadly love triangle

SNL Writer’s Sister Vanished: Boyfriend and Romantic Rival Charged in Love Triangle Killing

Months before the sister of a “Saturday Night Live” writer vanished, court…
The Aftermath of the Blue Tsunami of 2026: Is JD Vance Correct?

JD Vance’s Take on a 2026 Blue Wave and Its Aftermath

The votes had barely been counted when the fight over who was…
House Speaker Mike Johnson slams voters for making 'wrong choice,' predicts 'circus' after GOP's midterm drubbing

Mike Johnson Blames Voters for ‘Wrong Choice’ After GOP Midterm Losses, Predicts ‘Circus’

Lame-duck House Speaker Mike Johnson accused voters of making the “wrong choice”…
Charlie Kirk murder suspect's ex-roommate can't testify at hearing, judge rules

Kirk Killing Suspect Faces Aggravated Murder Trial in June 2028

Tyler Robinson, who is accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is…
Rescue group removes plastic pumpkin from deer's snout after 10-day search

Deer Freed From Plastic Pumpkin After Rescuers’ 10-Day Search

A Michigan wildlife rescue team has finally freed a young deer that…
Feds bust boat smuggling 18 illegal migrants off California coast

Federal Agents Stop Boat Smuggling 18 Migrants Off California Coast

This is the shocking moment Border Patrol agents busted a boat smuggling…
Cruise ship murder suspect said he snapped before beating and choking woman: affidavit

Cruise Ship Murder Suspect Said He Snapped, Affidavit Says

A passenger accused of killing a woman aboard the MSC Seascape told…
Funeral set for slain NYC jogger Katie Suarez -- as parents testify before grand jury

Slain NYC Jogger Katie Suarez Funeral Set as Parents Testify

Brooklyn will say goodbye to Katie Suarez this week as prosecutors continue…
Stand Up for Heroes marks 20 years at Lincoln Center

Stand Up for Heroes Celebrates 20 Years at Lincoln Center

NEW YORK CITY — Comedy, music and deeply personal veterans’ stories took…
How Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux's ouster was discovered by eagle-eyed onlookers

Eagle-Eyed Fans Uncover Blue Angels Pilot Scott Laux’s Ouster

The sudden removal of a Blue Angels pilot from the elite flight…