AT LEAST 15 KILLED IN MILITANT ATTACK IN NORTHERN CAMEROON
At least 15 people have been killed after suspected Islamist militants attacked Madegoua village near Makary in Cameroon's Far North Region. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in an area affected by years of insurgent violence.
At least 15 people have been killed after suspected Islamist militants attacked a village in Cameroon's Far North Region, according to local sources, in the latest deadly violence linked to the long running insurgency around the Lake Chad basin.
Armed attackers entered Madegoua village near the town of Makary at around 2 a.m. on Thursday and targeted residents before leaving the area.
A member of a local vigilante group said the attackers pulled men from the village, tied them up and killed them.
The initial death toll was 13, but two other victims later died from their injuries at a hospital in Makary, bringing the number of people killed to at least 15.
ATTACKERS ENTERED VILLAGE BEFORE DAWN
The assault took place during the early hours when many residents were still at home.
According to a local vigilante member who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, armed insurgents entered Madegoua at around 2 a.m.
The attackers reportedly removed men from the community before tying them up and killing them.
The initial victims were buried on Thursday, according to footage seen by Reuters, although the news agency said it could not independently verify the video.
DEATH TOLL RISES TO 15
Thirteen people were initially reported killed in the attack.
Two other victims who suffered injuries were transported to a hospital in Makary but later died, according to the local vigilante source.
Their deaths increased the reported toll to at least 15.
No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting.
A security analyst cited by Reuters said Islamic State West Africa Province could have been responsible because the group operates in the area.
That assessment has not been officially confirmed.
VILLAGE SITS NEAR STRATEGIC ROUTE
Some residents believe the attack may be connected to an earlier order allegedly issued by militants demanding that villagers leave the area.
Madegoua is located along a route towards Makary, giving the area strategic significance within Cameroon's Far North.
The exact motive for the killings, however, has not been officially established.
Authorities had not publicly identified the attackers at the time of reporting.
CAMEROON'S FAR NORTH FACES YEARS OF MILITANT VIOLENCE
Cameroon's Far North Region borders Nigeria and Chad and has experienced years of attacks connected to the wider insurgency in the Lake Chad basin.
Boko Haram began its insurgency in northeastern Nigeria before violence spread across borders into Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Islamic State West Africa Province later emerged as another major armed group operating in the region.
Communities in northern Cameroon have faced raids, kidnappings, suicide attacks and other forms of militant violence during the conflict.
REGIONAL FORCES CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST MILITANTS
Cameroon is part of the Multinational Joint Task Force established by countries in the Lake Chad region to combat militant groups operating across national borders.
The regional security effort involves forces from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Benin.
Despite military operations against armed groups, attacks on civilians and security forces continue in parts of the region.
The killing of at least 15 people in Madegoua highlights the continuing security challenges facing communities in Cameroon's Far North as authorities and regional forces attempt to contain militant activity.
