US President Donald Trump said the United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria, citing attacks by the militant group that he said had mainly targeted Christians.

In a Christmas night post on social media, Trump described the operation as a powerful strike but did not give details about the damage or casualties. A US defense official said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigeria and had the approval of the Nigerian government.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Trump said the strikes targeted Islamic State militants who had been killing innocent civilians. Nigerian officials and analysts, however, have said extremist violence in the country affects both Christians and Muslims.

Nigeria is battling several armed groups, including factions linked to Islamic State. Security experts said the strikes may have targeted the Lakurawa group, which has expanded its presence in northwestern states such as Sokoto and has carried out deadly attacks on communities and security forces.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Nigeria over what he described as the persecution of Christians. Last month, he directed the Pentagon to prepare options for military action in the country. The US has also restricted visas for Nigerians linked to killings of Christians and recently designated Nigeria a country of particular concern under its religious freedom law.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced years of violence driven by extremist attacks, local conflicts, and criminal gangs. The government has said people of different faiths have been victims of such violence.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces were ready to act and praised cooperation from the Nigerian government, adding that the United States would not allow extremist groups to thrive.