U.S. Africa Command said the strike took place in Sokoto state on December 25, was coordinated with Nigerian authorities, and killed multiple ISIS fighters. Tuggar said the operation had been planned for some time using Nigerian-provided intelligence and did not rule out further strikes. The Pentagon said the attack hit known ISIS camps, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that more action could follow. Nigeria has pushed back against claims that violence targets Christians alone, saying armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians. Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, before a military coup, and has relied on clan-based indirect voting since 2004.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 27, 2025 12:38 UTC