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By Jordan King
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President Donald Trump ordered an attack on ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas day, expanding the list of regions where the U.S. has conducted strikes in 2025.
Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said: "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!
"I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was."
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Here, Newsweek details some of the key regions that the U.S. has struck over the course of 2025.
Why It Matters
U.S. military activity in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Pacific has raised questions about Washington's evolving counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics strategies, the legal justifications for cross-border operations, and the humanitarian consequences for affected nations.
U.S. officials have cited the need to disrupt terrorist or criminal networks, while governments and civil society groups have raised concerns about sovereignty, civilian safety and international law.
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Where America Has Struck This Year
Nigeria
On Christmas day, Trump announced a U.S. airstrike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria. The operation — coordinated with the Nigerian government — targeted militant camps in Sokoto state.
Trump said the strike was aimed at "ISIS terrorist scum" responsible for attacks on Christians, though Nigerian authorities have repeatedly stressed that terrorism in the country targets both Christians and Muslims.
A video released by the Pentagon appeared to show a missile launched from a naval vessel during the operation. The strike marked an escalation in the U.S. involvement in Nigeria's ongoing fight against militants linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
Syria
Earlier this month, the U.S. announced it had carried out a series of strikes in Syria against ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in retaliation for a lethal attack on American service members earlier this month.
"This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth wrote on X. "The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people."
The Caribbean
Beginning in September, the U.S. launched a series of strikes targeting boats in or near Venezuelan waters, as well as in parts of the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon has said the operations are aimed to disrupt "narco-terrorist" networks.
The Pacific
The U.S. has also carried out deadly strikes on vessels alleged to be associated with transnational narcotics trafficking in the Pacific.
More than 100 people are believed to have been killed in around 29 strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific since September.
Iran
In June, Washington carried out strikes on several Iranian nuclear sites, which the administration said had "obliterated" Tehran's ability to progress toward an operational nuclear weapon.
Yemen
In April, U.S. forces struck a major Houthi-controlled port on Yemen's Red Sea coast, and U.S. Central Command said it had been destroyed.
More than 70 people were killed in the attack on Ras Isa fuel port, according to Houthi and Yemeni media.
Somalia
In February, Trump said he ordered "precision military airstrikes" in Somalia targeting a senior Islamic State member and his recruits.
What Happens Next
The Nigeria strike could set a precedent for intervention in other terrorism and organized crime hotspots.
Nigeria said it would continue engaging with international partners, and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hinted at further operations, writing on X: "The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…"
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