US Conducts Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria Following Attacks on Christians
US targets ISIS in Nigeria after attacks on Christians, signaling expanded counter-terrorism efforts.
Photo by أخٌفيالله
The United States has conducted military strikes against ISIS forces in Nigeria, reportedly in response to attacks on Christians by the terror group. This action highlights the growing concern over the spread of ISIS influence in Africa and the US's continued commitment to counter-terrorism efforts globally.
For UPSC aspirants, this news is relevant for GS2 International Relations (US foreign policy, counter-terrorism, regional security in Africa) and GS3 Internal Security (global terror networks). The expansion of ISIS activities beyond the Middle East into Africa poses a significant challenge to international security and stability, requiring a coordinated global response.
Key Facts
US struck ISIS forces in Nigeria
Response to ISIS targeting Christians
Highlights spread of ISIS in Africa
UPSC Exam Angles
US foreign policy and its evolution in counter-terrorism.
Regional security dynamics in Africa, particularly West Africa and the Sahel.
The nature and spread of global terror networks (ISIS, Boko Haram, ISWAP).
Challenges to international security and stability posed by non-state actors.
The role of international cooperation and unilateral action in combating terrorism.
Visual Insights
ISIS Affiliates & US Counter-Terrorism Focus in Africa (2025)
This map illustrates the geographical spread of ISIS affiliates across Africa, highlighting key regions of their activity and the location of the recent US military strike in Nigeria. It underscores Africa's growing importance as a front in global counter-terrorism efforts.
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ISIS Expansion in Africa & US Response (2014-2025)
This timeline traces the significant events related to the rise and expansion of ISIS affiliates in Africa and the corresponding evolution of US counter-terrorism efforts, providing crucial historical context to the recent strikes.
The global rise of ISIS post-2014 significantly impacted Africa, as existing extremist groups rebranded and expanded, drawing international attention and military responses, particularly from the US. This timeline highlights the evolving threat and the continuous adaptation of counter-terrorism strategies.
- 2014ISIS declares 'Caliphate' in Iraq/Syria, inspiring global affiliates.
- 2015Boko Haram pledges allegiance to ISIS, becomes ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria.
- 2017US increases counter-terrorism support to African partners; G5 Sahel Force established.
- 2019ISIS loses territorial control in Iraq/Syria, shifts focus to global affiliates, including Africa.
- 2020-2023Escalation of ISIS-linked violence in Sahel, Lake Chad, and Mozambique, leading to humanitarian crises.
- 2024Reports of increased ISIS attacks on Christians and other communities in Nigeria.
- 2025US conducts military strikes against ISIS in Nigeria following recent attacks.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the presence of ISIS and its affiliates in Africa: 1. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) primarily operates in the Sahel region, including parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. 2. ISWAP originated as a splinter group of Boko Haram, pledging allegiance to ISIS. 3. The Lake Chad Basin is a critical area of operation for various terror groups due to its complex geography and cross-border vulnerabilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. ISWAP is active in the Lake Chad Basin, which spans parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, a subset of the broader Sahel region. Statement 2 is correct. ISWAP emerged in 2016 from a faction of Boko Haram that broke away due to ideological differences and pledged allegiance to ISIS. Statement 3 is correct. The Lake Chad Basin's porous borders, difficult terrain, and socio-economic challenges make it an ideal operational base for terror groups like ISWAP and remnants of Boko Haram.
2. In the context of US counter-terrorism strategy, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Post-9/11, the 'Global War on Terror' doctrine primarily focused on state-sponsored terrorism rather than non-state actors. 2. The US strategy has increasingly shifted towards supporting local security forces through training and intelligence sharing, rather than solely relying on large-scale direct military deployments. 3. The concept of 'over-the-horizon' counter-terrorism operations involves conducting strikes or raids against terror targets without a permanent ground presence in the region. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'Global War on Terror' (GWOT) doctrine, initiated after 9/11, primarily targeted non-state actors like Al-Qaeda and later ISIS, along with states perceived to harbor them. Statement 2 is correct. There has been a discernible shift in US counter-terrorism strategy, especially in regions like Africa, towards building the capacity of local partners and sharing intelligence, often referred to as 'by, with, and through' approach. Statement 3 is correct. 'Over-the-horizon' operations are a key component of modern US counter-terrorism, allowing for rapid response and targeted action against threats without the need for extensive troop deployments, minimizing political and logistical footprints.
3. Match List-I with List-II regarding regional security initiatives in Africa: List-I (Initiative/Organization) A. G5 Sahel B. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) C. African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) List-II (Primary Focus/Mandate) 1. Regional economic integration and peacekeeping in West Africa 2. Collective security and development cooperation in the Sahel region 3. Conflict prevention, management, and resolution across Africa Select the correct match using the code given below:
- A.A-1, B-2, C-3
- B.A-2, B-1, C-3
- C.A-3, B-2, C-1
- D.A-2, B-3, C-1
Show Answer
Answer: B
A. G5 Sahel: This is a regional cooperation framework created in 2014 by five Sahelian countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) to coordinate efforts in development and security, particularly counter-terrorism. So, A-2 is correct. B. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): Established in 1975, ECOWAS aims to promote economic integration across the region. It also has a significant mandate in regional peace and security, including peacekeeping missions. So, B-1 is correct. C. African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC): The AUPSC is the standing decision-making body of the AU for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts. It is the core of the African Peace and Security Architecture. So, C-3 is correct.
4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the challenges in combating terrorism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions of Africa?
- A.Weak governance, corruption, and socio-economic disparities contribute significantly to radicalization and recruitment by terror groups.
- B.The vast, porous borders and difficult terrain facilitate the movement of militants and illicit arms, hindering effective counter-terrorism operations.
- C.Climate change-induced resource scarcity and environmental degradation have no discernible link to the rise of extremist groups in the region.
- D.Inter-communal conflicts, often exacerbated by ethnic and religious divisions, are exploited by terror groups to gain local support and legitimacy.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. Weak governance, corruption, and socio-economic disparities are widely recognized as root causes and enablers of radicalization and recruitment by terror groups in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Statement B is correct. The vast and porous borders, coupled with challenging geographical features, make it extremely difficult for national forces to control movement and conduct effective counter-terrorism operations. Statement C is NOT correct. There is a strong and well-documented link between climate change-induced resource scarcity (e.g., shrinking Lake Chad, desertification), environmental degradation, and the rise of extremist groups. These factors exacerbate existing tensions, displace communities, and create grievances that terror groups exploit. Statement D is correct. Terror groups often exploit existing inter-communal conflicts, ethnic, and religious divisions to sow discord, recruit members, and establish a foothold within communities.