A US congressman just hinted that more American airstrikes could happen in Nigeria, following the Christmas Day strikes on ISIS hideouts. According to him, the goal isn’t war but cutting off terror groups and protecting civilians, especially communities that have lived under nonstop attacks for years.

He says the strikes were done with Nigeria’s approval, and that they’ve already lifted morale in places hit hardest by insurgency. If true, this signals a deeper US–Nigeria security partnership going forward.

Big moves, heavy implications. Let’s hope it actually brings peace not more fear.