Fri Dec 26 00:01:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The United States, under the direction of President Donald Trump, launched an airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025. The strike, according to President Trump, targeted militants who were allegedly targeting and killing Christians. The U.S. military confirmed the strike, stating it was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities. However, the Nigerian government disputes the U.S. claim that Christians are specifically targeted, asserting that armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians. They also object to what they feel is the U.S’s simplification of a very complex matter. The U.S. has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Nigeria since late November.
News Article:

U.S. Airstrike Targets ISIS in Nigeria, Citing Threat to Christians

Palm Beach, FL – December 26, 2025 – The United States military conducted an airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, following what President Donald Trump described as an escalating campaign of violence against Christians in the region.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” President Trump stated on Truth Social. He further claimed these attacks were occurring “at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!”

U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strike, stating it was carried out “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and resulted in the deaths of “multiple ISIS militants.” This intervention follows weeks of heightened rhetoric from President Trump, who has warned of an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria and hinted at potential military intervention if the violence targeting Christian communities was not addressed. Reuters reported that the U.S. has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Nigeria since late November.

However, the Nigerian government has issued a statement disputing the U.S. narrative, asserting that armed groups operating in the country target both Muslims and Christians. They argue that the U.S.’s focus solely on Christian victims “does not represent a complex security situation” and “ignores efforts to safeguard religious freedom.” While disagreeing with the reasoning, Nigeria has agreed to work with the U.S. to strengthen its military capabilities against militant groups.

President Trump issued his statement from his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent the Christmas holiday.

Read More