"In his announcement, Trump said the strikes were aimed at Islamic State militants who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! A Defense Department official told the Associated Press that the US worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes, and that they'd been approved by that country's government."
"Parts of the US right have for years been amplifying claims that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria. In September, Republican senator Ted Cruz pushed to sanction Nigerian officials who facilitate violence against Christians and other religious minorities, including by Islamist terrorist groups. Claims that Christians face religious persecution overseas have become a major motivating force Trump's base and the US president counts evangelical Christians as among his most enthusiastic supporters."
Strikes targeted Islamic State militants accused of focusing violence on primarily innocent Christians at levels described as unprecedented. The US worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes with approval from Nigeria's government, and cooperation included intelligence exchanges and strategic coordination. Parts of the US right and conservative Christian groups amplified claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, while lawmakers like Senator Ted Cruz sought sanctions on Nigerian officials accused of facilitating violence. Nigeria had earlier been designated a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, prompting Pentagon planning for potential military action. Nigeria notes extremists harm followers of multiple faiths.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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