The United States has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, as the country faces ongoing violence against Christians. Concurrently, Myanmar is preparing for elections that many observers deem illegitimate, reflecting the military junta's struggle to maintain power following its 2021 coup.

US AIRSTRIKES IN NIGERIA

On Thursday, Donald Trump announced that the US military executed airstrikes targeting ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria. The strikes, which were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities, aimed to eliminate militants responsible for attacks on Christians in the region. Trump described the operation as a decisive action against what he termed "ISIS Terrorist Scum," emphasizing the group’s violent campaign against innocent civilians.

The US Africa Command confirmed that the operation resulted in the death of multiple militants. Nigeria’s foreign ministry stated that the airstrikes were part of ongoing security cooperation with the US, involving intelligence sharing to combat militant threats. Despite the US's focus on the violence against Christians, Nigeria's government has resisted framing the conflict in strictly religious terms, arguing that both Muslims and Christians are affected by the violence.

MYANMAR'S ELECTIONS UNDER MILITARY RULE

As the US addresses terrorism in Nigeria, Myanmar is gearing up for elections on December 28, the first since the military coup in 2021. The junta, which has faced widespread international condemnation, is seeking to legitimize its rule through this electoral process. However, many believe the elections will not be free or fair, given the disbanding of the main political party and the imprisonment of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Critics, including those who fled the country, assert that the elections are a façade designed to maintain the military's grip on power. The junta has dismissed accusations of coercion, claiming that the election is intended for the people of Myanmar. However, the international community, including Western governments and the United Nations, has largely rejected the legitimacy of the vote.

INTENSIFIED CONFLICT IN MYANMAR

The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly, with a reported 30% increase in military air and drone strikes compared to the previous year. Civilians, including medical facilities and schools, have frequently been targeted. A recent military strike on a hospital in Rakhine state resulted in numerous casualties, highlighting the ongoing violence.

Additionally, the military has ramped up conscription efforts, forcibly recruiting individuals to bolster its ranks. Young people, fearing abduction, have fled military-controlled areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The junta has also enacted a new election protection law, imposing severe penalties for any criticism of the electoral process, including potential prison sentences and even the death penalty.

WRAP-UP

The US airstrikes in Nigeria and Myanmar's upcoming elections illustrate the complex and often troubling dynamics of international security and governance. In Nigeria, the focus remains on combating terrorism, while in Myanmar, the military's attempts to consolidate power through an election are met with skepticism and fear among the populace.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team