Fifteen Boko Haram fighters were killed and 20 others arrested by its Defence and Security Forces (FDS) during clashes that occurred in Diffa region of Niger near the Nigerian border, defence ministry announces.
It said on Thursday in Niamey that FDS launched ground and air operations in the area, in retaliation to the attack carried out on June 17, in Gueskerou commune by the Islamist sect, killing 38 civilians.
Mustapha Ledru, Spokesman for Niger’s Defence ministry, said that 15 terrorists had been killed, 20 others arrested, one armoured vehicle recovered and 20 motorcycles destroyed during the latest army operation.
He affirmed that no injuries were reported on the part of the army.
Karidjo Mahamadou, Nigerien National Defence Minister, hailed the “FDS for the brilliant operation against the terrorists.’’
He encouraged them to continue with the fight to restore peace and security in Niger as well as in the sub-region.
For over three months, Niger, just like other countries in the Lake Chad Basin, has come under deadly attacks from Boko Haram from its bases in Nigeria, leaving tens of civilians and soldiers dead.
Nigerien and Chadian forces are currently engaged in a large scale operation against Boko Haram sect to secure Lake Chad basin and stop further attacks in Nigerien regions of Diffa and Bosso.
