U.S. Counter-terrorism Campaign Intensifies with December Airstrikes Targeting ISIS and al-Shabaab Across African Regions
Throughout 2025, Nigeria experienced multiple incidents of violence targeting Christian communities, with thousands reported killed in various attacks across its regions.
HORN OF AFRICA AND WEST AFRICA — In December 2025, U.S. military operations ramped up against terrorist groups in Africa, executing over a dozen airstrikes against ISIS and al-Shabaab in Somalia and Nigeria.
The campaign peaked with today’s strike in Sokoto State, Nigeria, where U.S. Africa Command targeted ISIS camps, eliminating multiple terrorists in partnership with Nigerian forces. President Donald J. Trump highlighted this action in a statement linking it to ongoing ISIS violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Somali government collaboration underpinned the Somalia strikes, concentrating on degrading capabilities in isolated areas like the Golis Mountains. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs endorsed the joint effort, stressing intelligence sharing and precision targeting while upholding sovereignty and civilian protection.
This surge in activity underscores U.S. commitment to disrupting decentralized threats, with strikes clustering in Somalia’s northeast and extending to West Africa.
Resource scarcities and economic strains in Nigeria’s northwest and Somalia’s interiors fuel militant growth, compounded by environmental pressures. Global analyses project continued instability unless addressed through sustained international cooperation.
Chronological Overview of U.S. Airstrikes in Africa This Month
U.S. Africa Command undertook 11 airstrikes in Somalia and one in Nigeria, all aligned with host nation governments. Emphasis fell on remote terrorist havens, with no reported civilian harm and restricted details for security. The Nigeria operation noted multiple terrorist deaths; Somalia reports omitted casualty figures.
December 25 - ISIS camps in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Multiple terrorists eliminated; joint with Nigerian authorities; initial evaluations confirm success, no civilian casualties.
December 23 - ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains, 90 km south of Bossaso, Somalia: Capabilities degraded; no casualty specifics.
December 22 - al-Shabaab in Golis Mountains, 88 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia: Threat reduced; security details withheld.
December 19 - ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains, 45 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia: Multiple terrorists targeted; assessments ongoing.
December 18 - al-Shabaab in Nuur Dugle, 215 km northeast of Mogadishu, Somalia: Operation executed; no harm to civilians reported.
December 17 - al-Shabaab in Araare, 50 km northeast of Kismayo, Somalia: Militants struck; details limited.
December 15-16 - ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains, 70 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia: Series of strikes; threat diminished.
December 15 - al-Shabaab 50 km northeast of Kismayo, Somalia: Confirmed hit; no casualty data.
December 14 - al-Shabaab in Kobon, Somalia: Capabilities impacted; security preserved.
December 3 - al-Shabaab in Kismayo, Somalia: Terrorists addressed; no specifics on outcomes.
December 1 - ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains, 60 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia: Multiple actions; assessments verify effects.
President Donald J. Trump’s Announcement on the Nigeria Operation
President Donald J. Trump’s post outlines the Nigeria strike against ISIS involved in Christian attacks. It notes prior warnings and Department of War execution, underscoring U.S. resolve against radical Islamic terrorism with a military blessing and holiday message.
This announcement matches U.S. Africa Command confirmation but accentuates religious dimensions absent from military briefs. It echoes earlier U.S. positions on persecution in Nigeria. The Department of War amplified the statement, affirming its operational context.
Patterns of Violence in Nigeria Against Christians, Women, and Children
Global Christian Relief documents over 50,000 Christian deaths in central Nigeria from intensifying assaults beyond northern zones.
Open Doors reports lethal attacks on believers, especially males, and abductions with violence against females. Aid to the Church in Need logs at least 212 Catholic priest kidnappings from 2015 to 2025, signaling enduring patterns. Persecution.org highlights heightened risks during 2025’s Christmas, following a year of alerts.
Benue State saw a December 22 incident killing at least 20 Christians after unheeded warnings. Opinio Juris records over 200 fatalities there in June 2025 amid Middle Belt conflicts. Catholic Culture notes 47 Christians slain in Benue on January 24, a priest’s murder on January 2, and early January nun abductions with release.
November’s St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction in northwest Nigeria involved 303 children and 12 teachers. Such events follow trends of seizures and killings, often with sexual assaults. Economic hardships and resource rivalries boost militant enlistment. The Sokoto action counters these northwest threats.
U.S. Strategic Stance on African Threats
U.S. Department of State labels ISIS-West Africa and al-Shabaab as terrorist entities under continuous scrutiny. December 2025 Executive Order 13224 updates bolster counter-terrorism without direct Nigeria references beyond the strike.
2025 Defense Intelligence Agency evaluations stress fragmented threats in Africa, highlighting ongoing U.S. interest risks.
November White House messages include presidential vows for action in Nigeria over persecution, leading to December 25.
Department of War focuses on African training and strikes. U.S. Africa Command prioritizes alliances, as seen in December’s collaborative efforts.
A November 18 U.S. Mission to the United Nations gathering tackled Nigerian religious violence. A December 2 House Appropriations Committee probe addressed persecution, citing school kidnappings.
