In a significant expansion of its global military engagements, the United States carried out targeted air strikes across several continents throughout 2025, with Nigeria emerging as a notable new addition to the list following a Christmas Day operation.
Nigeria's Sokoto State Targeted in Christmas Strike
The development that brought the West African nation into focus was an airstrike ordered by US President Donald Trump on December 25, 2025. The operation targeted camps of Islamic State (ISIS)-linked militants in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto state.
President Trump, announcing the action on his Truth Social platform, described the targets as "ISIS terrorist scum" responsible for attacks, claiming they had been "viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians." He stated the strike was a direct response to his previous warnings to the militants.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the action, characterizing it as "precision hits" conducted within the framework of existing security cooperation with international partners. A spokesperson emphasized that the cooperation includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, carried out with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Global Footprint: Regions Targeted by US in 2025
Beyond Nigeria, US military activity in 2025 spanned multiple regions, reflecting a broad counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics strategy. The operations have sparked international debate regarding sovereignty, international law, and civilian safety.
Syria: Earlier in the year, US forces launched multiple strikes against ISIS fighters, weapons depots, and infrastructure in Syria. These were reportedly in retaliation for a deadly assault on American service members.
Somalia: In February, precision airstrikes were ordered in Somalia, targeting a senior Islamic State leader and his associates as part of counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Yemen: An April strike hit the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Local media reports indicated dozens were killed in this attack.
Iran: In a major escalation in June, Washington carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The US administration claimed these actions significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The Caribbean: Beginning in September, the US conducted strikes on vessels in and around Venezuelan waters and the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon stated the goal was to disrupt narco-terrorist networks.
The Pacific: Similar anti-narcotics operations targeted vessels in the Pacific Ocean allegedly linked to transnational drug trafficking. Reports indicated that more than 100 people were killed in dozens of strikes across the Caribbean and Pacific regions since September.
Implications and Reactions
The inclusion of Nigeria on this list marks a pivotal moment in the country's long-standing battle against insurgency. The Sokoto strike represents an escalation of direct US involvement against militants linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
While US officials consistently cite the imperative to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, the strategy continues to draw scrutiny. Governments and civil society organizations globally have raised persistent concerns about the legal justifications for cross-border operations and the potential humanitarian consequences for civilians in affected nations.
The full scope and long-term impact of these 2025 military actions, particularly the new front opened in Nigeria, remain subjects of intense analysis and diplomatic discourse.
