The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has issued new operational directives to its members, advising them to avoid public gatherings and limit movement due to expected escalation in U.S. drone and surveillance operations.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a propaganda message reacting to comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump about plans to launch military operations against the group in Nigeria, according to SAHARA REPORTERS reporting.
ISWAP described Trump as a “reckless American tyrant,” alleging he was influenced by “evangelical Christian and Jewish advisers.” The group warned that the U.S. attempt to portray itself as a “global defender of Christians” could drag Washington into more conflicts across Africa. ISWAP also advised its members to “avoid public gatherings, limit movement, and cut down smartphone use” due to anticipated U.S. drone and surveillance operations.
The message comes as the U.S. military has drafted contingency plans for possible action in Nigeria. The New York Times reported that President Trump directed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from attacks. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) submitted proposals to the Department of War, labelled “heavy,” “medium,” and “light,” detailing different levels of potential engagement.
These options range from the “heavy option,” involving deploying an aircraft carrier strike group, to the “medium option” of targeted drone strikes using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones, and the “light option” of intelligence sharing with Nigerian forces.
On Wednesday evening, Donald Trump insisted: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!”