Australia’s government has publicly endorsed the United States’ targeted military strike against Islamic State group fighters in north-western Nigeria, lauding the action as part of an international effort to degrade extremist violence and protect vulnerable communities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the precision operation on Christmas Day, declaring that U.S. forces had struck militants he described as “ISIS terrorist scum” following repeated attacks on civilians, particularly Christians in the region.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong conveyed Canberra’s support for the U.S.-Nigerian initiative, emphasising that terrorism in all its forms is abhorrent and that the violent ideology of the Islamic State group must be confronted globally.

The Australian government’s backing aligns with its response to recent extremist-linked violence at home, including the Bondi Beach massacre, attributed by authorities to alleged extremist sympathisers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack on Australians underscored the rapidly evolving nature of violent extremism and the need for robust international cooperation.

In Nigeria, authorities confirmed that security and intelligence cooperation with U.S. forces contributed to the precision strikes against senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) targets, reflecting shared objectives to improve regional stability in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The broader response from Canberra also reflects Australia’s commitment to multilateral counter-terrorism efforts, balancing support for partner actions with calls for sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.

While reaffirming the importance of safeguarding civilians and combating terrorism, Australian officials have stressed the need for careful coordination and long-term strategies to address underlying drivers of radicalisation and ensure enduring security outcomes across affected regions.