Trump says there could be more U.S. strikes in Nigeria

President Trump told the New York Times there could be additional U.S. strikes in Nigeria if Christians are killed, and Nigeria has previously denied that Christians face systematic persecution.

President Donald Trump told the New York Times there could be additional U.S. strikes in Nigeria if Christians are killed there. The remark was published on Jan. 8 and followed a U.S. military strike on Christmas Day. The U.S. described that strike as targeting Islamic State militants at Nigeria's request. Nigeria has previously denied that Christians face systematic persecution and has described the strike as a joint operation. Key reported points: - Trump was quoted as saying more strikes could follow if Christians continue to be killed in Nigeria. - The U.S. carried out a Christmas Day strike in northwest Nigeria, described by U.S. officials as aimed at Islamic State militants and undertaken at Nigeria's request. - Nigeria has said the strike was a joint operation targeting militants and has rejected claims of systematic persecution of Christians. - Trump has previously warned of an "existential threat" to Christianity in Nigeria and has suggested possible military intervention over violence affecting Christian communities. Summary: The comments were made in a New York Times interview and come after a recent U.S. military strike in Nigeria; they follow prior exchanges between Washington and Abuja over the issue. Undetermined at this time.