Several Dead After Boko Haram Launches First Attack In Chad
Internationally recognized Islamic extremists group Boko Haram have attacked Chad for the first time. Dozens of militants struck the village of Ngouboua near Lake Chad, an area that many Nigerian refugees had reportedly fled.
On Friday, it was reported that the militants arrived in Chad by motor boats and proceeded to set fire to the village and completely destroy the police station. Boko Haram militants managed to kill several people, one of whom was a local chief, according to theGuardian. Residents did not refrain from given descriptions of the events.
“They came on board three canoes and succeeded in killing about 10 people before being pushed back by the army.”
Unluckily for Boko Haram, Chad had recently joined a military alliance which included Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, whose sole purpose is to defeat Boko Haram. Over the years, the militant group has become internationally known as a terrorist organized from which Nigeria must be freed. Recently though, Boko Haram has become a problem for most of West Africa. Their most recent activity occurred in Cameroon and Niger, two countries which surround Nigeria.
Boko Haram was originally founded in 2002 as a defense organization against Western education. It later grew with hopes to develop an Islamic State in Nigeria. In 2009, the group formed a military and began killing men and abducting women. The group gained an increased amount of national attention after they abducted over 200 young girls from a school in Chibok, Nigeria. The event caused an advocacy surge in social media that caught the attention of well-known activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Malala criticized world leaders, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in particular, for not taking necessary actions to bring the Nigerian school girls home.
10 months. That's how long the girls have been kidnapped. 10 months. That's how long they've been gone. #BringBackOurGirls
— 'Seun Fakuade (@seunfakze) February 14, 2015
We haven't forgotten our #ChibokGirls as we continue to pray & wait for their safe return home #BringBackOurGirls @Refugees @wellbeingafrica
— Toyin Saraki (@ToyinSaraki) February 14, 2015
Unlike the world rulers Malala was addressing, the Chadian armed forces proved that they would not allow Boko Haram to destroy their country. Recently, a local chief gave a report on the events which resulted in a victory for Chad.
“We sent in our air force and they neutralized the three pirogues. We are still combing the area.”
The Chad Republic is backed by French intelligence and logistical support. This intelligence allowed for Boko Haram to be driven from Chad, destroying a humanitarian vehicle on its way out. Reportedly, the militants have returned to Nigeria. Their arrival has halted the upcoming Nigerian presidential elections, which were originally set to be held on Saturday.
Photo via [ibitimes]
