U.S. CONDUCTS AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISWAP IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA, COORDINATES WITH NIGERIAN MILITARY

The United States military has carried out airstrikes targeting fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in north-west Nigeria. The strikes, reportedly in parts of Sokoto State, were confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social media account.

Details of the operation, including casualty figures and the extent of damage, remain unclear. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrikes were conducted in conjunction with the Nigerian military. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, speaking in Abuja, noted, “details regarding the scope of the operation and casualty figures remain scanty,” underscoring the sensitive nature of ongoing counterterrorism engagements.

Security and intelligence sources disclosed the strikes are part of a broader campaign aimed at degrading ISWAP’s expanding operational footprint beyond its traditional strongholds around the Lake Chad axis. According to intelligence assessments, additional air operations may be conducted in the coming days or weeks as surveillance and targeting efforts continue.

This action follows last week’s emerging intelligence which indicated that foreign-backed air operations against terrorist enclaves in Nigeria were imminent, after heightened reconnaissance activities and increased coordination with Nigerian security forces.

In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to terrorist groups, stating that Israel is prepared to support the United States in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.