Sat Dec 27 19:16:15 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The United States has conducted air strikes against ISIL (ISIS) in northwestern Nigeria, citing the group’s targeting of Christians. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated more strikes are planned. This action follows President Trump’s prior warning and is believed by some to be influenced by pressure from his right-wing Christian base. The strikes raise concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s complex religious landscape, with experts debating the implications on Al Jazeera.

News Article:

U.S. Launches Air Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria, Citing Christian Persecution

ABUJA, Nigeria – The United States military has launched air strikes against ISIS (ISIL) targets in northwestern Nigeria, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated “more to come” in the fight against the terrorist group. The Pentagon claims the strikes are aimed at halting the group’s attacks against Christians in the region.

“Our objective is clear: to protect innocent Christians from the brutality of ISIS,” Hegseth said in a statement.

The air strikes follow a warning issued by President Donald Trump in November, threatening action if the Nigerian government did not address the alleged targeting of Christians. The move has been met with both praise and criticism, with some observers suggesting the decision was influenced by pressure from Trump’s right-wing Christian supporters in the United States.

The strikes have raised concerns about the potential ramifications for Nigeria, a country with a delicate balance between Christian and Muslim populations. Al Jazeera’s “Inside Story” program explored the complexities, featuring experts Malik Samuel from Good Governance Africa, Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations, and David Otto, a counterterrorism expert.

“This intervention could have unintended consequences,” cautioned Samuel. “Nigeria has a complex religious landscape, and external military action risks exacerbating existing tensions and fueling further instability.”

Obadare echoed these concerns, noting that the strikes could be interpreted as a U.S. endorsement of one religious group over another.

Otto, while acknowledging the need to combat ISIS, stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy. “Air strikes alone are not enough. A long-term solution requires addressing the underlying factors that allow groups like ISIS to thrive, including poverty, corruption, and a lack of effective governance.”

The Nigerian government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the U.S. air strikes. The situation remains fluid, and the potential impact on the region is uncertain. The US claims the strikes were targeted and have no effect on the current population.

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