Авиадар в Нигерии, проведенный США, вызывает путаницу из-за предполагаемого промаха по цели

A United States military airstrike in Sokoto State, Nigeria, intended to target ISIS camps, has raised controversy, with reports suggesting no casualties were sustained. Conducted in unison with the Nigerian government, the strike sent shockwaves through a local village but reportedly landed in an empty field, leaving residents baffled. The incident began on Christmas Day around 11:45 p.m., lasting 45 minutes, where at least 12 Tomahawk missiles, valued at $18 million to $22 million, were launched. The Nigerian Information Ministry and U.S. officials initially declared the operation a successful elimination of ISIS elements in the area; however, local testimonies paint a different picture. Reports from residents and journalists in Jabo village recall hearing loud explosions, but no damage to persons or property. "Everybody was in panic, but thank goodness, no lives were lost," a local farmer recounted. "We just found a crater outside the village," added a local journalist who investigated the impact site. The underlying controversy stems from contrasting narratives presented by different sources. While the Nigerian Ministry stated precision strikes were approved by their president, residents argue that their village is typically peaceful, with negligible terrorist activities. "There are no known ISIS or Boko Haram elements here," affirmed a youth leader. Security officials and experts have voiced differing perspectives. Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a Nigerian security analyst, refuted claims that the strike missed, asserting that numerous ISIS terrorists were in fact neutralized, with reported disappearances since the operation. Despite the uproar, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) supports the claim of mission success with a declaration that many terrorists were struck. Further investigation is promised to assess the full impact. The strike has reignited discussions on the complexities of counter-terrorism operations and their implications for local communities trapped between official military narratives and on-ground realities. As inquiries continue, the world watches this unfolding conundrum.