On December 25, 2025, U.S. forces launched airstrikes in northeastern Nigeria, aiming to hit ISIS militants. The White House and Nigerian authorities both echoed President Trump's claim that the strikes responded to reports of 'innocent Christians' killed by the group.
But analysts and human rights experts point out that ISIS isn't known to operate in that region. Satellite data and on-the-ground reports haven't identified any active ISIS cells there, raising doubts about the intel behind the bombing.
Local journalists and NGOs are calling for a clearer breakdown of the evidence. Were there misidentifications? Could another group, like Boko Haram, have been involved? Or was faulty intel to blame?
As families in nearby villages pick up the pieces, big questions hover: How can civilian harm be avoided if the target group isn't confirmed? And what checks are in place for U.S. military operations abroad?
For now, the U.S. and Nigerian governments stand by their statements, but many on the ground and international observers are pushing for more transparency. In a world where digital maps and drone footage reign supreme, getting the facts straight has never been more important 🌍✈️
Reference(s):
US says strike on Nigeria on Dec. 25 was against ISIS, others disagree
cgtn.com
