US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could carry out additional military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians continues.
In an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, Trump said the December 25 airstrike against Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria was intended to be a one-off operation, but added that more strikes could follow if the attacks persist.
“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” Trump said, “but if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
The Christmas Day operation, which the US said was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government, targeted Islamic State affiliates and attracted international attention due to its timing.
Trump described the action as a response to repeated killings by extremist groups, a stance that has sparked debate over the framing and motives of the intervention. While acknowledging that Muslims have also been victims of violence in Nigeria, he maintained that Christians were the primary targets.
The Nigerian government has rejected claims of a genocide against Christians, stressing that armed groups in the country kill both Muslims and Christians. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to working with international partners to combat terrorism and condemned violence against all communities, regardless of religion.