Chad, Niger Launch Offensive Against Boko Haram

Forces from Chad and Niger are crossing into northern Nigeria to join the fight against the Boko Haram extremists whose name means “Western education is forbidden.” Boko Haram, which has kidnapped and enslaved large groups of schoolgirls, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State extremists who control and terrorize strips of territory in Syria and Iraq. Generals leading the offensive insist that the extremists’ ideology and activities have no religious purpose. “The escalation in a joint military campaign against the Nigeria-based Boko Haram comes just weeks before Nigerians head to the polls for an election which many fear will turn violent, and after the militants have attacked neighboring countries who have pledged to help Nigeria defeat the extremists,” report Krista Larson and Dalatou Mamane for the World Post. Cameroon is tightening border controls to prevent supplies or escape for extremists. Boko Haram is reported to have killed more than 10,000 this year, and thousands more in the region are displaced. – YaleGlobal