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Chadian troops thwart Boko Haram attack in Cameroon

Xinhua, January 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

Chadian troops recently deployed in Cameroon have thwarted an attack by the Nigerian islamist sect Boko Haram in Cameroon's extreme northern region of Fotokol, a military source said.

"The Chadians retaliated forcefully. They crossed the border to pursue the enemy up to the Nigerian town of Gambaru. There were many casualties on the side of the assailants," a military source said without giving the precise death toll.

This was the first major offensive by the Chadian troops since their deployment on Jan. 15 in Maroua, the main town in Cameroon's extreme northern region.

About 1,000 Chadian soldiers have been deployed in Cameroon following a decision by N'Djamena authorities to support this neighboring country to halt the progression of Boko Haram terrorists, seen to be moving near the Chadian border after they captured Baga locality in northeast Nigeria in mid-January.

Chad has also deployed 1,500 soldiers to Nigeria to help the country's army fight against the islamist militants.

The military support was justified by the intensification of attacks by the terrorist group in Cameroon, with the most recent one having taken place on Jan. 12 in Kolofata where, according to official sources, many Cameroonians lost their lives. Endi