15 Boko Haram fighters killed, 20 arrested in Niger

No fewer than 15 Boko Haram fighters were killed, while 20 others arrested  by the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) during clashes that  occurred between June 18 and 23 in Niger’s Diffa region near the Nigerian  border.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), an official source said on  Wednesday that following the attack carried out on June 17 in Niger’s  Gueskerou community by the Islamist sect, killing 38 civilians, FDS
launched ground and air operations in the area.
The spokesman for Niger’s Defense Ministry, Moustapha Ledru, said: “Fifteen  terrorists had been killed, 20 others arrested, one armoured vehicle  recovered and 20 motorcycles destroyed during the operation.”
No injuries were reported on the part of the army, the statement by the  defense ministry’s spokesman said.
The statement quoted Niger’s National Defense Minister, Karidjo Mahamadou, as hailing the FDS for the brilliant operation against the terrorists and  encouraged them to continue with the fight to restore peace and security.
For over three months, Niger, just like other countries in the Lake Chad  Basin, had come under deadly attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, 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.

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