Why did Trump order the attack on Nigeria, are Christians really being persecuted?
These attacks were carried out targeting the hideouts of Islamic State (IS) terrorists in northern Nigeria.
Trump announced the attack in an announcement. He said that these attacks were carried out by targeting Islamic State (IS) terrorists. These terrorists are 'primarily targeting innocent Christians in a brutal manner. On a scale (of Christians being killed) that has not been seen in many years, even centuries.'
A US Defense Department official told the AP that the attacks were carried out in coordination with Nigeria. The country's government had approval for these attacks.
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry said that they cooperated with the United States through the exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination. The attack in the Muslim-majority Sokoto state was carried out as part of an “ongoing joint operation,” said the country’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tugar.
The persecution of Christians abroad for religious reasons is a major source of motivation for Trump supporters. Trump believes that evangelical Christians are among his most enthusiastic and active supporters. Evangelical Christians are a sect of Christianity that strictly adheres to the teachings of the Bible, emphasizes personal faith and is active in religious outreach or missionary work.
In response to Trump’s criticism, the Nigerian government has previously said, “Not only Christians in our country, but people of other religions are also suffering at the hands of extremist groups. These groups operate in different parts of the country.”
Nigeria is officially a secular country. The proportion of Muslims and Christians in the country is almost equal, 53 and 45 percent respectively. The rest of the population follows traditional African religions.
Violence against Christians in Nigeria has been a major international concern. The violence is often portrayed as religious persecution. But most analysts believe the real situation is more complex. Other factors besides religion may have acted as catalysts behind the attacks.
Nigeria's foreign ministry praised the cooperation with the United States after Thursday's attack. However, it refused to say anything specific about the US action being linked to the persecution of Christians.
The foreign ministry said in a statement that any form of terrorist violence, whether against Christians, Muslims or any other community, would be considered an affront to Nigeria's values and international peace and security.
