Chadian army says 100 Boko Haram Islamists killed

N’DJAMENA

At least 100 fighters have been killed in an operation against Boko Haram Islamists holed up on the islands of Lake Chad, the Chadian army has said.

“Two Chadian soldiers have died, two others injured and 117 terrorists killed in the operation which began two weeks ago,” Col Azem Bermendoa Agouna said.

“For two weeks, Boko Haram terrorists have been trying to infiltrate our islands on Lake Chad to carry out attacks.”

Lake Chad is strategic as it is where the borders of Chad and Nigeria converge with those of Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram has carried out raids and suicide bombings in the four countries, which have formed a military alliance along with Benin to tackle it.

“Our armed forces have launched an offensive to dig out and neutralise terrorists on these islands,” Col Azem said.

There was no independent confirmation of the claims.

“Several boats have been destroyed and weapons recovered,” added the colonel, who said the operation targeted the island villages of Koungya, Merikouta, Choua and Blarigui.

“The sweep continues and the definitive toll will be released later.”

About 1,000 Chadian soldiers have been deployed in the area.

Chad Government urged villagers to leave before the offensive began.

Boko Haram militants who have killed around 15,000 people since their offensive began in 2009, fall back on the islands when they come under attack in Nigeria