Cameroon: 27 Boko Haram killed in ambush, says army

MAROUA, Cameroon

Twenty-seven Boko Haram militants have been killed in Cameroon’s Far North region near the Nigerian border, security sources told Anadolu Agency Wednesday.

"27 fighters were eliminated in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday near Fotokol, near the border with Nigeria, during an ambush by the MNJTF," said Bouba Dobekreo, a commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

The MNJTF was created by Lake Chad Basin countries – Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin – aimed at eradicating the Nigerian militant group.

"Ten other elements of the armed group were arrested, and heavy weapons, including machine guns, were also seized," he added.

Dobekreo said that no damage or casualties were reported on the side of the Cameroon defense force because the troops had prepared before reaching their ambush.

Boko Haram has been weakened in recent months due to intensified strikes by coalition troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. French and U.S. troops are supporting the regional force.

An internal dispute and fights over leadership have also weakened the terrorist group.

The insurgent group has been waging a war against Nigeria and neighboring states that has seen at least 20,000 people killed and 2.7 million displaced over the last seven years.