US strikes Islamic State camps in Nigeria's Sokoto region

US forces struck Islamic State camps in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, targeting militants in Sokoto as violence spreads across the Sahel. The strikes, confirmed by U.S. Africa Command, targeted suspected Islamic State-Sahel Province and its affiliate Lakurawa. Analysts warn this may only be a temporary setback for expanding jihadist groups. The U.S. cited protecting American interests and disrupting extremist organizations. Experts note Sahel-based groups primarily focus on local attacks, though their expansion destabilizes governments and increases regional threats.