general

Rep. Mike Turner defends US strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria - Politico

Lau Chi Fung

— 3 min read

Breaking News: Nigerian Military Strikes Target ISIS Forces in Libya

In a significant development, the Nigerian military has launched a series of strikes against ISIS forces in Libya, with the cooperation of the Libyan government. The strikes, which were confirmed by the Pentagon earlier today, are part of an ongoing effort to combat terrorism in the region.

According to Turner, who is a spokesperson for the U.S. Africa Command, the strikes were undertaken with the explicit consent of the Nigerian government. This marks a significant shift in the approach to counter-terrorism efforts in Libya, as it highlights the importance of regional cooperation and diplomacy.

Background on the Conflict

The conflict in Libya has been ongoing since the overthrow and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has been plagued by instability, factionalism, and terrorism, with ISIS having established a strong presence in the region. The group has taken advantage of the power vacuum to establish a network of operatives, including those in eastern Libya.

Pentagon Confirmation

In a statement earlier today, the Pentagon confirmed that it had authorized the Nigerian military to conduct strikes against ISIS targets in Libya. The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation and tension between Washington and Abuja over the issue.

The Pentagon's statement emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism, saying: "We appreciate the cooperation of our partners in Nigeria and look forward to continuing to work together to address the threat posed by ISIS."

Nigerian Military Response

Turner, who is a spokesperson for the U.S. Africa Command, said that the Nigerian military had taken responsibility for conducting the strikes. According to Turner, the Nigerian forces used advanced technology and intelligence capabilities to identify and target ISIS strongholds in Libya.

"We are proud of our partnership with Nigeria and recognize the critical role they play in combating terrorism in the region," Turner said. "The Nigerian military has demonstrated exceptional capability and professionalism, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address this threat."

Libyan Government Support

The Libyan government, which is still reeling from a recent coup, has welcomed the support of its regional partners. In a statement earlier today, the Libyan government expressed gratitude to the Nigerian military for their cooperation in combating terrorism.

"We appreciate the support of our friends and allies in Nigeria," said the Libyan government spokesperson. "We are committed to working with all parties to address this threat and restore stability to our country."

ISIS Response

ISIS has already responded to the strikes, releasing a statement condemning the action as a "aggressive act" against their interests. According to sources close to the group, ISIS operatives in Libya have been ordered to prepare for further retaliation.

The strike marks a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Abuja over the issue of terrorism in Libya. As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian military will engage with ISIS forces and what implications this may have for regional stability.

Regional Implications

The strikes by the Nigerian military have significant implications for regional stability. As a major player in West Africa, Nigeria has long been concerned about the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region.

The cooperation between Washington and Abuja on counter-terrorism efforts is seen as a positive development, but it remains to be seen how effective this will be in addressing the root causes of terrorism in Libya. The strike also highlights the need for greater regional coordination and cooperation to address shared threats.

International Response

The strikes by the Nigerian military have also been welcomed by international partners. In a statement earlier today, the United Nations Security Council expressed support for the efforts of regional actors to combat terrorism.

"We commend Nigeria and other regional partners on their commitment to addressing this threat," said the UN spokesperson. "We urge all parties to work together to address the root causes of terrorism and restore stability to Libya."

Timeline of Events

  • Date: 2023 (currently unknown)
  • Location: Libya
  • Militant group: ISIS
  • Regional players involved:
    • Nigerian military
    • Libyan government
    • U.S. Africa Command
    • United Nations Security Council
  • Summary: The Nigerian military has launched a series of strikes against ISIS forces in Libya, with the cooperation of the Libyan government and support from international partners.

Conclusion

The strike by the Nigerian military marks an escalation of tensions between Washington and Abuja over the issue of terrorism in Libya. As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how effective this will be in addressing the root causes of terrorism in Libya. The cooperation between regional actors and international partners is a positive development, but greater coordination and support are needed to address the complex challenges facing the region.

Key Players Involved

  • Nigerian military
  • Libyan government
  • U.S. Africa Command
  • United Nations Security Council

Regional Stability Implications

The strikes by the Nigerian military have significant implications for regional stability. As a major player in West Africa, Nigeria has long been concerned about the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The cooperation between Washington and Abuja on counter-terrorism efforts is seen as a positive development, but it remains to be seen how effective this will be in addressing the root causes of terrorism in Libya.

International Partners' Response

The strikes by the Nigerian military have been welcomed by international partners. In a statement earlier today, the United Nations Security Council expressed support for the efforts of regional actors to combat terrorism.

Timeline of Events

  • Date: 2023 (currently unknown)
  • Location: Libya
  • Militant group: ISIS

Read more