The United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement following Washington’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom violations.

The United States' latest coordinated strikes against ISIS targets comes as Washington signals sustained pressure on the terror group.

The United States military carried out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, following months of warnings from President Donald Trump regarding violence against Christians in the country.