New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Former diplomat Mahesh Sachdeva remarked on Friday that the US military strike against ISIS in northwest Nigeria was timed on Christmas to send a clear message to ISIS regarding the US's commitment to safeguarding Christians from their attacks.

In an interview with IANS, Mahesh Sachdeva highlighted that this marks the first instance of US military intervention in Nigeria's security landscape. He expressed concerns that the strike could worsen anti-Christian sentiments, which he identifies as a primary driver of violence.

When discussing the US military strike against ISIS in Nigeria, he stated, "As the former High Commissioner to Nigeria, I recognize this notable development. It is unprecedented for the US to engage militarily in Nigeria's security issues by deploying long-range missiles targeting ISIS bases in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, especially on Christmas Day, sending a twisted message of US support for Christians against ISIS attacks."

He added, "While the Pentagon asserts that this action was carried out with the approval and coordination of Nigerian officials, the Abuja government has yet to release an official statement regarding this matter. Nigeria, being Africa's most populous nation, faces a significant divide between its majority Muslim and minority Christian populations, particularly in the central regions where these communities coexist."

US President Trump described the military action as a direct response to the increasing violence against civilians.

Regarding the potential impact of the US missile strike on Nigeria's security, Sachdeva noted, "Its significance remains questionable. It could even intensify anti-Christian activities, which are not the primary source of violence. Most violence is directed at government officials by Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates, with innocent bystanders often caught in the crossfire. Nonetheless, there have been some reports of Christian institutions, such as schools and churches, facing threats."

He further explained that various pastoral communities, such as the Fulanis, are migrating in search of better grazing lands, often found in Christian-majority villages, leading to conflict. However, this issue is more related to land disputes than religious differences. He suggested that the US government might be aiming to appease its right-wing base, primarily composed of Christians, by taking aggressive military action intended to protect Christians in Africa's largest nation.

In his statement, Trump referred to the strikes against "ISIS terrorist scum" in northwest Nigeria.

He added, "At my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States executed a powerful and lethal strike against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria." He mentioned that the group had been "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!"

Trump indicated that he had issued prior warnings, stating, "I have warned these terrorists that if they did not cease their assaults on Christians, they would face severe consequences, and tonight, they did."

The President claimed that US forces executed multiple operations during the mission, asserting, "The Department of War conducted numerous precise strikes, as only the United States can accomplish," without providing specific operational details. He concluded, "Under my leadership, our nation will not permit radical Islamic terrorism to thrive."