How Nigeria, US Jointly Launched Airstrikes Against IS in Sokoto State
Oru Leonard
The US military, in coordination with Nigerian forces, launched airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria’s Sokoto state. President Donald Trump described the operation as a “powerful and deadly strike” against “terrorist scum” targeting innocent Christians. However, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar emphasized it was a joint operation targeting terrorists, regardless of religion.
The operation was planned using Nigerian intelligence, and further strikes depend on decisions from both countries’ leadership. Trump’s claims of Christians being persecuted in Nigeria are disputed, with groups monitoring violence stating there’s no evidence Christians are being targeted more than Muslims.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s adviser, Daniel Bwala, welcomed US help but stressed Nigeria’s sovereignty. Tinubu insists there’s religious tolerance in the country, with security challenges affecting all faiths and regions.
According to Naija Newsbreak, “The United States Air Force aircraft is presently operating above the Babana crossing used by armed groups for smuggling supplies”-BRANT Philip, American Security expert
Without taking chances, the United States Air Force entered the Benin-Nigeria border airspace without using the Nigerian airport, stepped up reconnaissance and massive attack against militants and has begun the operation now in blasting the armoury of the terrorists.
Corroborating this view, Bryant Philip, a top American security operative with specialty in West Africa law enforcement confirmed the latest development by explaining that the United States Air Force ISR aircraft is on an on-going mission above the Nigeria-Benin border skies.”
Cover Photo Caption: A screenshot from a video released by the US defence department that appears to be showing a missile being launched from a military vessel
Photo Credit: BBC
