Globe Trot: With all eyes on Paris, Islamic militants unchecked in Nigeria

NIGERIA: We have been unable to confirm casualties from a Boko Haram attack on Baga late last week that reportedly killed as many as 2,000 Nigerians. The Nigerian military is saying 150 were killed. We do know that two child suicide bombers—repeat, child bombers—blew themselves up in a crowded market Sunday in another vicious attack. The world and its leaders are paying a lot of attention to militants in Paris who killed dozens while linked militants are killing hundreds by the day in Africa.

What’s key—and frightening—is the territory is now falling to militants. “At least 70 percent of the area I represent is in Boko Haram hands,” said Nigerian Sen. Maina Maaji Lawan, who represents the area including Baga. If it seems like the terrorists are dominating world news, they are, and that—plus the lack of concerted national and international response—is why.

IRAQ: On Tuesday, Iraqi jets dropped leaflets over Mosul, warning residents to stay away from ISIS installations. Today U.S.-led airstrikes are hitting those targets, moving closer to Mosul and killing at least 100 Islamic State fighters.

LIBYA: Islamic State in Libya claims to have abducted 21 Egyptian Christians, and Coptic sources in Egypt confirm that at least 20 Copts are being held. The Islamic State published photos of the captives on its website Monday.

CHINA: Quite possibly soon, there will be more Christians in China than members of the Communist Party. That, plus the realization that Christianity is not something foreign, is prompting church crackdowns by state authorities.

FRANCE: One week after the satire magazine came under attack, its editor and cartoonists killed, the latest issue of Charlie Hebdo hit the streets today, featuring a teary Muhammad holding a “Je suis Charlie” sign and available in Arabic. Al-Qaeda in Yemen now claims responsibility for the attack.