As persecution against believers continues in Nigeria, President Trump announced a U.S. strike on forces of the Islamic State group in the nation on Christmas.

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From CBN:

In a Christmas evening post on his social media site Thursday, Trump did not provide details or mention the extent of the damage caused by the strikes in the northwestern state of Sokoto.

A Defense Department official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss details not made public, said the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes and that they’d been approved by Abuja.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways “consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.”

According to CBN, Nigeria is currently fighting multiple armed groups. The nation is dealing with a group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast and the Lakurawa group in the northwest. Both groups are reportedly tied to ISIS.

President Trump said that the strikes were launched against militants “who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” This is part of a larger push against Christian persecution in the state, as the President reportedly ordered the Pentagon last month to plan for military action in Nigeria to address this oppression.

Nigeria notably worked with the U.S. to carry out the attack. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also quick to condemn the persecution taking place within the nation’s borders, stating “Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

As Christians continue to face terror and persecution in Nigeria, let’s pray. Let’s pray for the protection of all believers, and let’s ask God to guide our military as it works to curb the influence and power of the Islamic State.

How are you praying about these strikes? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

(Excerpt from CBN. Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)