Niger’s defense minister has said 109 Boko Haram fighters were killed by soldiers after attacks on two towns near the border with Nigeria.
Karidjo Mahamadou said four soldiers were killed and 17 injured in fighting in the towns of Bosso and Diffa and two soldiers were missing and a civilian was also killed.
Niger’s army received support from Chad as it worked to repel Boko Haram’s assault on the West African nation, which is already home to tens of thousands of refugees who have fled the terror group’s attacks in Nigeria.
Neighbouring countries are fighting back with ground troops and aircraft. Boko Haram has threatened to attack countries participating in the military effort.