Cameroon: Five killed in Cameroon separatist attack in Momo Jan. 6

Event

Suspected separatist militants killed five people, including four security officers and a civilian, during an attack on a convoy in Momo, Northwest Region of Cameroon, Jan. 6. The incident occurred overnight as the party, comprising local authorities and security forces, returned from an official engagement. The intended target of the attack was reportedly unhurt. Militants reportedly used improvised explosive devices (IED) during the attack.

Context

The use of IEDs in the Cameroonian civil conflict remains rare, and this incident could mark an escalation in abilities by the amorphous secessionist groups. In addition, this attack could prompt counterterrorism operations by the security forces in the coming weeks. The threat of violence remains high in the restive Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.