Nigerian militants increase attacks
NIAMEY, Niger – The Nigeria-based Islamic extremist group Boko Haram escalated its attacks in neighboring countries Monday, as a car bomb exploded in one Niger town repeatedly targeted by the militants and residents said other fighters in Cameroon had abducted 20 people aboard a public bus.
A huge explosion rang out in the Niger town of Diffa about 3 p.m. Monday, according to Hassan Maina, who said casualties were seen being taken to a hospital. There was not immediately a toll for the attack, which was near a customs office.
Boko Haram is well known for car bombings and suicide bombings within Nigeria during its five-year insurgency, but the group had not carried out such assaults within neighboring countries.
Netanyahu reaffirms plans for U.S. speech
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will travel to Washington to speak before the U.S. Congress next month despite calls to cancel his speech.
His remarks Monday at an election rally come amid an uproar over his planned speech about Iran before Congress next month.
Netanyahu said: “A bad deal with Iran is forming in Munich that will endanger Israel’s existence. ... Therefore I am determined to go to Washington and present Israel’s position before the members of Congress and the American people.”
House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, extended the invitation without discussing it beforehand with the White House. That angered the administration of President Barack Obama.
Associated Press
