US Strikes Nigeria: Trump Cites Christian Killings, Sparks Debate on Intervention

• The US conducted strikes in northwestern Nigeria against Islamic State fighters, announced by President Trump on social media as a "powerful and deadly strike."
• Trump justified the action by accusing ISIS of "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians," a claim Nigeria disputes.
• The strikes followed months of warnings from Trump, who threatened to cut aid or intervene militarily if Nigeria didn't stop alleged killings of Christians.
• Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu denied accusations of religious intolerance, emphasizing the country's commitment to protecting religious freedom.
• The article highlights Nigeria's complex violence, involving extremist groups, herder-farmer clashes, and kidnapping, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

Why It Matters: US strikes in Nigeria, framed by Trump as protecting Christians, reveal complex local conflicts and potential for further intervention.