The attack comes after President Trump ordered the Defense Department last month to prepare to intervene militarily in Nigeria to protect Christians from Islamic militants.

Even as the Christmas holiday shortened the workweek for most Americans, multiple developments unfolded in the Trump administration this week. The administration unveiled a limited-time $3,000 incentive for illegal immigrants to self-deport before the end of the year,

Nigeria's government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and U.S. claims that Christians face persecution do not represent the complex security situation and ignore efforts to safeguard religious freedom.

Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York said he does not think President Donald Trump has explained why the United States needs to intervene in the ongoing conflict in Nigeria. Trump ordered military strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria for allegedly targeting Christians,