Intelligence Sharing Between Nigeria and the US
On December 25, the US military executed strikes against ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria, a move that President Donald Trump described as a necessary response to the group's attacks on Christians. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that he communicated with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the strikes, indicating that Nigeria played a crucial role in providing intelligence. Tuggar stated that the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, authorized the strikes, emphasizing that the operations were aimed at combating terrorism rather than being religiously motivated.
While the US government framed the strikes as a direct response to the persecution of Christians, Nigeria's foreign ministry maintained that all forms of terrorism are an affront to national values and international peace. The ministry praised the cooperation with the US but distanced itself from the notion that the strikes were specifically about religious persecution.
Severe Cold Weather in Canada
In contrast to the military actions in Nigeria, northern Canada is experiencing an extreme cold spell, with temperatures consistently ranging from -20C to -40C for several weeks. The Yukon region recorded its coldest December temperature since 1975, plunging to -55.7C in Braeburn. Other areas, such as Mayo and Dawson, have suffered from consecutive nights below -40C, with Mayo hitting -50.4C.
The cold snap has not only affected daily life but has also raised concerns about energy supply, as the Yukon faces potential electricity outages due to high demand. The polar vortex has contributed to this prolonged chill, trapping Arctic air over Canada. However, forecasts suggest a gradual retreat of this cold air mass, allowing milder conditions to move into parts of southern Canada and the US.
Warmest Christmas in the US
In stark contrast to the frigid conditions in Canada, many parts of the United States experienced record-breaking warmth on Christmas Day. Temperatures soared 15-30C above seasonal averages, with Oklahoma City reaching 25C, surpassing its previous record. Other cities, including Austin and Dallas, also recorded temperatures above 25C, creating an unusual holiday atmosphere more reminiscent of spring than winter.
This warm weather is attributed to a strong upper-level ridge across the continent, creating a heat-dome effect that traps warm air at the surface. Forecasters predict that this unseasonable warmth will persist into the following days, particularly affecting southeastern states.
Wrap-up
The holiday season has been marked by significant events on both international and domestic fronts. Nigeria's collaboration with the US military highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, while extreme weather patterns in North America illustrate the stark contrasts in climate experienced across the continent. These developments reflect broader global challenges, from security issues to climate change.
Sources
theguardian.com
@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team
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