START's Significant Terrorism Events in the News is designed to give a brief overview of the past month's most significant developments in terms of terrorism and counterterrorism. The cases were selected based on visibility in the news and regional diversity. The articles selected are intended to be a sample of current events regarding terrorism around the world and not a definitive list.
Nigeria: Who is Ansaru? With the kidnapping and subsequent killing of seven foreign nationals* in Nigeria, Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) has gained recognition alongside Boko Haram. According to the British government, Ansaru (Vanguard for the protection of Muslims in Black Africa) is a Nigerian Islamist terrorist organization that emerged in 2012, motivated by an anti-Nigerian Government and anti- Western agenda. It is broadly aligned with the ideology of al-Qa'ida, particularly the North African al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQLIM), but it is not clear if they are formally allied with the organization or are a splinter group from Boko Haram.
The recent kidnapping of foreign nationals is not the first attack that the group has claimed responsibility for. *UPDATE: According to President Goodluck Jonathan, some of the hostages may be alive, however no evidence to support that statement has been provided.
- Home Office of the British Government, "Proscribed Terrorist Organization," Nov. 23, 2012.
- Agence France Presse, "Ansaru: new threat in restive northern Nigeria," Feb. 18, 2013.
- Voice of America, "Italy, Greece Confirm 7 Foreign Hostages Killed in Nigeria," March 10, 2013.
- Associated Press, "Hostage killings a new, dangerous turn for Nigeria," March 10, 2013.
- Reuters, "Nigeria president says some Ansaru hostages might be alive," March 18, 2013.
Mali: AQLIM leader confirmed dead, but another said to be alive Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, a leader within al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQLIM), has been declared dead by multiple sources. While France initially expressed doubt regarding the success of the joint mission with French troops, it later confirmed the death of Abou Zeid. Abdelhamid Abou Zeid was killed in a French operation in Mali. France has been assisting Mali in combating Islamists in the Northern region of the country.
According to the BBC, Zeid was AQLIM's second in command, is suspected of participating in a number of terrorist attacks, and was known for being extremely violent. The Chadian government also claimed that another leader within AQLIM, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, was killed in recent operations (like France, Chad is assisting the Malian government). However, other sources, including France, have expressed doubt that Belmokhtar is actually dead. Also known as "Mr. Marlboro," Mokhtar Belmokhtar has been declared dead at least four other times.
- Reuters, "Chad says al Qaeda commander killed in Mali, France cautious," Mar 1, 2013.
- BBC, "Chad President Deby: Al-Qaeda's Abou Zeid killed in Mali," Mar 2, 2013.
- Agence France Presse, "Al Qaeda leader Abou Zeid 'killed in Mali'," Mar 4, 2013.
- Stars and Stripes, "If true, insurgent's death could be blow to Africa militants," Mar 4, 2013.
- BBC, "Islamist commander Abou Zeid's death in Mali 'probable'," Mar 4, 2013.
Cameroon: Kidnapped French family appears in video, perpetrators still in question A family of seven (three adults and four children) was kidnapped on February 19th while visiting Waza national park, near the border with Nigeria. A video of the Moulin-Fournier family was recently posted on YouTube. In it, the father read a statement claiming that his family was kidnapped by Boko Haram and that the group is demanding the release of prisoners linked to the organization in Cameroon and Nigeria.
However, doubt is being expressed about whether or not Boko Haram is actually involved. Other members with the group have openly denied that Boko Haram is involved in this kidnapping. Authorities have also expressed reservations about the group's involvement because the attack is not consistent with the types of attacks the group typically carries out. According to the New York Times, Boko Haram is not known for kidnapping Westerners and posting videos of them online. As of March 25th, no resolution had been reached.
- Associated Press, "French hostages held by Nigerian sect in new video," Mar 18, 2013.
- The Telegraph, "France condemns Boko Haram kidnap video as 'cruelty without bounds'," Feb 25, 2013.
- New York Times, "Video Shows Group Holds Family Seized in Cameroon," Feb 25, 2013.
- The Guardian, "YouTube video 'shows French family kidnapped in Cameroon'." Feb 25, 2013.