The United States Department of Defense has released footage showing what it described as a precision airstrike against fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria, following direct orders from the President of the United States.
According to US officials, the operation was carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at weakening extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding regions. The footage, shared by the US Secretary of Defense, reportedly shows aerial strikes on suspected ISWAP positions believed to be involved in attacks against civilians and security forces.
While details surrounding the timing, exact location, and scale of the operation remain limited, US authorities stated that the action was taken in response to credible intelligence on terrorist activities posing a threat to regional stability. Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official statement confirming or denying coordination or involvement in the reported strike.
The development comes amid heightened international attention on insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where ISWAP and Boko Haram factions have continued to launch attacks despite sustained military pressure. Analysts note that any confirmed foreign military action would mark a significant escalation in international involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.
As of the time of reporting, further verification and independent confirmation of the footage and the operation are still emerging.