Cameroon: Four soldiers killed by landmine in Far North region April 14

Event

Four Cameroonian soldiers were killed by a landmine explosion in Gouzda-Vreket, Mayo-Tsanaga department (Far-North region) on Sunday, April 14. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Boko Haram is highly suspected. Further such attacks are likely in the near term. 

Context

Although the regional counterinsurgency effort against Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the extent of their effective territorial control, the group continues to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold remains in northeastern Nigeria, and the majority of its activities are concentrated in this area. However, the Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the border with Nigeria, also regularly experiences attacks; the group's presence in Far North dates back to at least 2011.

Advice

All those present in Cameroon are advised to monitor the situation, to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Due to the underlying threat of terrorism, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.