(Image source: SaharaReporters)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

You're watching multisource world video news analysis from Newsy.

A massive explosion rocked the Nigerian capital Friday. The attack, believed to be carried out by Islamic militants, was aimed at international organizations. CNN reports.

“A deadly car bomb at a U.N. building in Nigeria killed at least 18 people. The Nigerian president called it a barbaric, senseless and cowardly act. … The Nigerian capital has been the target of a series of bombings in recent months.”

The militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is based out of the country’s Muslim northeast and fights for the implementation of Sharia law. The BBC gives some background on the group, whose name roughly translates to “Western education is sinful.”

“Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it ‘haram’, or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society. This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.”

If the group really is behind the bombing, analysts say this would be their most sophisticated and aggressive attack yet. It’s their first suicide bombing, and the first to involve remote detonation. Al Jazeera explains exactly what happened.

“Witnesses say a car packed with explosives ran through two separate gates, exploding just outside the building’s main reception. Damage to the concrete structure is extensive, the number of casualties is high.”

The style of the bombing has many wondering if the group had outside help. Earlier this month, U.S. General Carter Ham told the Associated Press-- Boko Haram is building links with other extremist groups, including Al Qaeda.

But the Economist writes -- their support may be coming from closer to home.

“Some observers believe Boko Haram has established links with disgruntled politicians, some of whom recently lost power. They apparently wish to destabilise the government.”

The political split between the country’s Muslim north and Christian south is also helping fuel anti-government sentiment. An analyst for the Guardian writes -- the convoluted and often violent political scene makes it possible for extremist groups to exist.

“Even with Boko Haram claiming apparent responsibility, blame needs to attributed cautiously given Nigeria's byzantine house of mirrors politics. … The roots of Boko Haram … lie in the increasing sense of marginalisation on the part of communities in the north of Nigeria.”

In a statement, Nigeria’s president Goodluck Jonathan vowed to “vigorously combat” all forms of terrorism within the country.

Transcript by Newsy.