Cameroon: Suicide bombing kills 12 in Far North July 12

Event

According to Cameroonian military sources, two female suicide bombers killed at least 12 people and injured more than 40 in Waza (Far North region), near the Nigerian border, late on Wednesday, July 12. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but similar tactics have been used by Boko Haram militants in the region in recent weeks.

Context

The Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the border with Nigeria, regularly experiences significant violence attributed to Boko Haram militants. While Boko Haram's main stronghold is in Nigeria, the group has been carrying out attacks in Cameroon since 2013. At least 14 people were killed in four different suicide bombings in the Far North’s Mayo-Sava department on June 30, July 1, and July 3.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to avoid recent bomb sites, limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.), and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.