“All of that just adds to the picture of an interconnected terrorist network with the ability to share resources, personnel, expertise, and tradecraft in a way that serves as a multiplier to their own capabilities, and that’s a disturbing trend.” The Daily Beast’s Tim Mak on the ways Boko Haram and ISIS are teaming up.

+ BBC on how Nigeria’s militants have become so strong. Here’s a key section: “How does Boko Haram recruit fighters? Increasingly through conscription — villagers are forced to join en masse or risk being slaughtered.” That’s one of the key complexities when it comes to fighting terrorists. Often, airstrikes are hitting conscripts who have already been victimized.

+ LA Times: Islamic State: Smoking will kill you, one way or another.