Trump warns of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over attacks on Christians
Donald Trump on Friday warned that the United States could use military force in Nigeria to “wipe out” Islamist militants he blamed for a recent wave of deadly attacks on Christians, saying he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare plans for possible action.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said Nigeria had not done enough to stop the killings and that, if the government failed to act, Washington would halt aid and “very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” He added he had ordered the Department of War to prepare for possible action.
The statement prompted an immediate and firm rebuttal from Nigerian officials, who stressed that the country is fighting a long-running insurgency and argued that the violence affects civilians of all faiths. Nigeria’s presidency and foreign ministry urged that any international assistance must respect Nigerian sovereignty and be coordinated with Abuja.
U.S. and international media coverage noted the escalation in rhetoric, while analysts cautioned that any U.S. military operation on Nigerian territory would face major legal, logistical and diplomatic hurdles, and would likely require Abuja’s consent. The comments also sparked debate over Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom and the potential suspension of aid.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and other officials denied that the government condones attacks on Christians and said their security forces remain committed to combating Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups. Some Nigerian voices welcomed international help on counter-terrorism, provided it respects Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
U.S. lawmakers and foreign policy experts reacted with a mix of alarm and calls for calm, urging de-escalation and clear consultation between Washington and Abuja before any kinetic action. Observers warned that unilateral military strikes could inflame regional instability and complicate existing counter-terrorism partnerships.
The situation remains fluid. U.S. government agencies and Nigerian officials said they would continue diplomatic engagement, while rights groups and analysts urged a careful, evidence-based approach to allegations about who is responsible for attacks and how best to protect civilians.
— Reporting by staff correspondents; based on reporting from Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, AP and the Financial Times.
0 Comments
Drop your comment