President Donald Trump ordered decisive U.S. military strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, sending a clear message that American power will be used to protect vulnerable communities and punish those who prey on the innocent. The operation, announced by the president as “powerful and deadly,” marked a swift response to mounting violence by ISIS-affiliated groups in the region.
U.S. Africa Command said the strikes hit targets in Sokoto State and were carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government after requests for assistance, showing that America still leads when partners call for help. Intelligence sharing and precise targeting were praised by U.S. defense officials, who emphasized these were joint operations to degrade terrorist capabilities, not open-ended invasions.
The president framed the action as a moral stand to stop the slaughter of Christians and other civilians — a stance he made repeatedly when he demanded accountability from Nigeria’s leaders and warned terrorists they would “pay,” even if critics preferred telegrams and statements over results. Conservatives recognize that words without action are hollow; when lives are on the line, Americans expect the commander in chief to act rather than posture.
This move also fits into a pattern of decisive responses after American lives were taken — including the December ambush in Palmyra, Syria, which killed U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter — proving this administration will retaliate against those who attack our troops or foment terror. Washington’s recent strikes in Syria and now Nigeria show a unified message: assaults on Americans or their allies will meet force.
Patriotic Americans should applaud our military and support robust counterterrorism measures that protect faith, freedom, and lives abroad and at home. The predictable chorus of hand-wringing from the usual suspects will call for restraint, but restraint in the face of barbarism is not prudence — it is appeasement. Our duty is to stand with the men and women who wear the uniform and with persecuted communities everywhere, and this administration just proved it intends to do both.
