U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes on ISIS in Nigeria

U.S. forces conducted operations against ISIS positions in Nigeria's northeastern region in coordination with the Nigerian government. A U.S. Africa Command leader testified before Congress last week that a 75% reduction in U.S. forces over the past decade has created an intelligence gap on the continent.

The commander stated that Africa is the epicenter of global terrorism and that reduced presence allows other actors to advance their interests. Officials announced that additional strikes took place in the days following the initial operation, resulting in at least 20 militant deaths.

The Islamic State maintains active affiliates in the Lake Chad Basin area spanning several countries. A researcher at George Washington University stated that poverty contributes to recruitment of child soldiers and that the group has infiltrated schools in the region. The United Nations reported that violence has closed more than 1,827 schools across the Lake Chad Basin.