WASHINGTON — The United States military launched airstrikes on targets linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria, officials said, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist networks in West Africa.
The strikes follow weeks of public criticism from President Donald Trump over what he described as the Nigerian government’s failure to protect Christian communities.
U.S. defense officials did not disclose the number of strikes, the type of munitions used, or the exact locations. There is no immediate information on casualties or infrastructure damage. Military sources said the targets are believed to be associated with Islamic State–aligned militants active in parts of Nigeria.
Officials described the operation as part of broader counterterrorism activities across the African continent. Islamic State affiliates in West Africa have carried out attacks on civilians, security forces, and religious sites, according to regional and international monitoring organizations.
The timing of the strikes follows increased international attention on violence in Nigeria, including attacks on churches, schools, and markets. Nigerian authorities rejected claims of government inaction, citing ongoing security operations in multiple states.
U.S. officials have not confirmed whether the strikes were coordinated publicly with Nigerian authorities, whether ground forces participated, or whether the operation relied solely on aircraft or remotely piloted systems.
