UN Security Council condemns Boko Haram attack against Chadian army at Cameroon border

Xinhua

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The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned "in the strongest terms" the continued escalation of Boko Haram terrorist attacks, including the one against the Chadian army contingent sent to fight the group alongside border between Cameroon and Nigeria.

Around 7,000 heavily armed militants attacked Fotokol, a town in Cameroon's Far-North Region bordering Nigeria on Wednesday morning, which killed 13 Chadian soldiers and injured several others.

There were fierce fire exchange between the militants and the joint army of Chad and Cameroon. Fotokol was lost to the control of the militants and retaken by joint army a few hours later. And at least 300 militants of Boko Haram were killed in the fighting.

In a press statement issued here, the Security Council noted that "the Chadian military counter-attack against Boko Haram into Nigerian territory was conducted with the consent and the collaboration of the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose territorial integrity remained intact."

"The members of the Security Council commended the Chadian army 's swift assistance in the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria, during which territory was recaptured from Boko Haram, and more than 200 Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized and equipment was recovered including a dozen vehicles mounted with heavy weapons," said the statement.

Reiterating its concern over the peace and stability of the West and Central African region, the council also urged the region to enhance regional military operations and coordination to more effectively and immediately combat Boko Haram.

Nigerian extremist group Boko Haram has posed a serious threat to the regional and also international security. the latest African Union summit concluded a few days ago decided to form a multi-national force of 7,500 to fight against Boko Haram. Leaders of Economic Community of Central African States will meet in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon on Feb. 16 to discuss the formation of the force. Enditem