Nigeria: US Airstrikes with MQ-9 Reaper Drones Target Jihadists

The United States launched airstrikes against jihadists in northwestern Nigeria using MQ-9 Reaper drones. According to Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris, the strikes took place on Thursday and were the result of extensive intelligence gathering and operational planning with Nigeria's assistance.

A total of 16 high-precision, GPS-guided missiles were launched from the drones, successfully neutralizing Islamic State fighters attempting to enter Nigeria from the Sahel region. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar stated that Nigeria is cooperating with the US and other countries and did not rule out the possibility of further strikes. He mentioned having a phone call with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, before and after the attack.