US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that radical Islamist groups pose an urgent global threat. He said their goal is to expand control over more people and territories. Rubio noted that these groups view the United States as their main enemy.
He told Fox News that radical Islamists aim to project power across the West. He said they are willing to use terrorism, assassination and mass violence to influence societies. Rubio added that Iran also takes similar actions through state-backed operations.
Rubio announced new US visa restrictions targeting individuals who direct or support violence against Christians. The policy will apply to offenders in Nigeria and other countries. He said the United States will act against anyone who funds or commits religious persecution.
The warning comes as Nigeria struggles with long-running Islamist insurgencies, including Boko Haram and ISWAP. These groups have killed thousands and displaced millions, especially in the northeast.
US President Donald Trump also claimed that Christians in Nigeria face deliberate attacks. His comments drew support from conservative and evangelical groups. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he met Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to discuss ongoing violence against Christian communities.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most unstable security hotspots.
