US Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria received praise from Trump supporters, who viewed them as a justified response to violence against Christians, with some calling it an 'amazing Christmas present.' The strikes, carried out with Nigerian cooperation, were part of broader US efforts to combat Islamic extremism and protect religious minorities, amid bipartisan support and ongoing concerns about violence in Nigeria.
The US conducted an airstrike in northwest Nigeria targeting ISIL fighters responsible for killing primarily innocent Christians, according to President Trump, with the operation carried out at Nigeria's request and resulting in multiple terrorist deaths.
The US has officially designated Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' due to severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians, following accusations by President Trump and threats to cut aid, amidst ongoing violence by extremist groups. The designation aims to prompt targeted responses, with Congress investigating the situation and considering sanctions, amid disputed casualty figures and Nigerian government pushback.
Nigerians across religious lines oppose US President Trump's threats of military intervention over violence against Christians, emphasizing Nigeria's religious tolerance and complex conflicts involving land disputes, jihadist violence, and separatist movements, with local leaders rejecting the framing of Christian persecution and urging adherence to international law.
Nigeria rejects US military threats over alleged Christian persecution, emphasizing sovereignty and the complex, multifaceted nature of violence involving Boko Haram and armed gangs, with Nigerian leaders seeking to deepen cooperation on community protection.
The U.S. cannot unilaterally conduct military operations in Nigeria over claims of Christian persecution, which Nigeria denies, citing complex security issues involving violence against both Christians and Muslims. Trump’s threat, based on disputed reports, has been met with Nigerian government rejection and calls for Nigeria to address its internal security failures to prevent external interference.
Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria over the persecution of Christians, prompting a response from Nigeria's president who emphasized the country's commitment to religious tolerance. The situation involves complex security issues, including attacks by extremist groups like Boko Haram, and has led to diplomatic tensions between the US and Nigeria.
President Trump instructed the U.S. Defense Department to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria over the alleged killing of Christians, following Nigeria's designation as a country of particular concern for severe religious freedom violations. Nigeria responded by reaffirming its commitment to combating extremism and promoting diversity.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Nigeria with military action and cutting aid over alleged Christian persecution, prompting Nigeria's President Tinubu to deny the country is religiously intolerant. The situation highlights ongoing violence and religious tensions in Nigeria, with Trump accusing radical Islamists of atrocities against Christians, while Nigeria emphasizes its commitment to religious tolerance.
In Nigeria, Christian communities face severe persecution with over 19,100 churches destroyed since 2009, hundreds of priests kidnapped or murdered, and at least 15 million displaced, amid violence from jihadist groups, criminal gangs, and alleged involvement of security forces.
Paramilitary troops have cordoned off a Christian settlement in Jaranwala, Pakistan, after a Muslim mob vandalized and torched several churches and houses following accusations of desecrating the Koran. The attack lasted for over 10 hours without police intervention, and the rioters demanded the accused men be handed over to them. Hundreds of Christians have fled their homes, and the settlement has been blocked off with barbed wire. Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to protect minorities, and over 100 suspected rioters have been arrested. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and accusations are sometimes used to settle scores.
Bob Fu, the president of Christian nonprofit ChinaAid, warns that the US is descending into a "communist-style of governance" with similarities to the Chinese Communist Party's tactics of cracking down on churches. He cites the left's dictatorial attitudes, censorship of speech, and enforcement of "woke" culture as examples. Fu also notes the alleged political weaponizing of federal law enforcement agencies as a worrisome escalation of such trends. He warns that the church in the West needs to be prepared for similar clampdowns on churches and pastors.
