Boko Haram Militants Continue Spreading Violent Campaign in Africa
With a series of deadly attacks perpetrated by the extremist group, Boko Haram, the world community is wondering if these attacks tormenting Nigeria in particular can be deterred after all.
Last week, Boko Haram launched a suicide attack on the Grand Marche in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena, as well as attacks in Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria over two days.
In Chad, four people died in a suicide blast in the city Maiduguri. Also in northern Cameroon, 11 people were killed when two women blew themselves up.
Earlier this month also, Boko Haram attacked a mosque, killing 48 men and boys in Kukawa.
Still within the same month of July, another suicide attack rocked Nigeria’s Yobe State, killing five. Two bomb attacks also killed 44 people on the central Nigerian city of Jos on July 6.
With these numbers, the attacks targeted civilians regardless of age, and children were also targeted victims. The violent campaign also points to the assertion that Boko Haram’s attacks are hard to suppress.
US Condemns Horrific Attacks
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson John Kirby said the United States strongly condemns the horrific and indiscriminate Boko Haram targeting of men, women, and children.
Mr. Kirby pointed out that the deadly attacks highlight that the group’s brutality and barbarism know no bounds.
“We remain committed to working closely with the region to root out the threat posed by the group.” – Mr. Kirby
The US government extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the soldiers, government officials, and civilians killed.
Mr. Kirby said the United States praises the security forces of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria for their timely responses to these callous and cowardly attacks on innocent civilians.
“The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram.” – Mr. Kirby
The US supports the anti-insurgency campaigns in African countries through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, including intelligence, advisors, training, and equipment.
Sectarian Violence Escalated in Nigeria in 2012
Earlier in 2012, spiraling violence escalated in Nigeria as the terrorist group unleashed a series of attacks.
Boko Haram militants attacked several churches on Christmas Day, killing dozens of worshipers. The bombings occurred in Madala, on the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, and in the north-eastern city of Jos.
The United Nations human rights chief, Navi Pillay, urged a bold effort by Nigeria’s political and religious leaders to halt the spiraling sectarian violence.
Boko Haram Means “western education is forbidden”
The militant group has expressed strong opposition to the introduction of western education in the country. The group launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. Since then, the group has staged deadly terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people.
The US declared Boko Haram a terrorist group in 2013.
