US Troops in Nigeria to Counter Islamist Threat

A team of U.S. soldiers is in Nigeria to counter the Islamist threat, announced the head of the U.S. military command for Africa (AFRICOM).

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Nigeria, foreshadowing further military action.

Reuters reported that the U.S. has been conducting reconnaissance flights over the country from neighboring Ghana since at least late November.

General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of AFRICOM, said a team of U.S. soldiers was sent to Nigeria after the two countries agreed that more needs to be done to combat the terrorist threat in West Africa. He did not elaborate on the size of the mission or its objectives.

Defense Minister Christopher Musa confirmed the presence of Americans in Nigeria.

A former U.S. official said the U.S. team is actively involved in gathering intelligence and helping Nigerian forces strike groups linked to terrorist organizations.

Nigeria has come under pressure from Washington to take action against Islamists after Donald Trump accused it of failing to protect Christians. The Nigerian government denies that Christians are systematically persecuted.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have stepped up their attacks.

On Christmas Day, U.S. forces struck a target in Sokoto State, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killing militants linked to the Islamic State.