Washington, Dec 26 (V7N)- The United States has carried out a large-scale airstrike targeting an ISIS-dominated area in Nigeria, according to reports by CNN.

The strike reportedly hit militant positions in northwestern Sokoto State. Former US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, CNN reported.

According to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the operation was conducted at Trump’s direction and at the request of Nigerian authorities. While no official information on casualties has been released so far, US officials believe the attack caused significant damage to Islamic State (IS) infrastructure in the region.

CNN reported that Trump had ordered preparations for military action against Nigeria about a week earlier, alleging persecution of Christian communities in parts of the country.

Nigeria has faced prolonged instability for more than a decade, with extremist armed groups such as Islamic State (IS) and Boko Haram maintaining strongholds in several regions, particularly in the north and northwest. These groups have carried out repeated attacks on civilians and security forces, exacerbating the country’s security challenges.

Further details about the operation and its impact are expected as more information becomes available.

END/SMA/AJ