US Emphasizes Support for Nigeria Following Recent Boko Haram Attacks

After extremists from the group Boko Haram carried out a series of attacks in Nigeria, killing over 200 people in villages, mosques, and markets, the United States has emphasized that it will continue to support efforts to bring justice to those responsible for the attacks. The extremist group Boko Haram has recently conducted attacks in rural areas, markets, and mosques in Borno state, resulting in over 200 casualties. Among these attacks, reported on July 2, dozens of people praying in two villages near the town of Manguno were killed. In another village, nearly 100 people, including women and children, were shot and killed. On Sunday, a suicide bomber detonated himself in a church, leaving at least five dead. John Kirby, spokesperson for the US State Department, condemned the recent attacks as 'severe' on July 2. According to the French news agency, Mr. Kirby stated, 'We will continue to support Nigeria's efforts to bring justice to those responsible for these attacks, as well as past attacks.' The spokesperson for the US State Department noted that Washington provides anti-terrorism assistance to Nigerian officials. He also mentioned 'advances' made by the forces of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger against Boko Haram. An alliance of military forces from these four countries, all neighboring Lake Chad, has been conducting operations against Boko Haram since the early months of this year. Reports have emerged regarding the group's retreat from areas it previously controlled.