Boko Haram terrorists seize Nigerian town of Monguno: Sources
Takfiri Boko Haram terrorists have captured Nigeria’s northeastern town of Monguno after fierce clashes with the West African country’s army, security sources say.
"We fought them all night long but they took over the town, including the military barracks there," a senior Nigerian military officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Sunday.
Another military source confirmed that the militants had seized the town, which is located about 137 kilometers (85 miles) from the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.
"Our troops had to withdraw after fighting the terrorists for several hours. They came in full force and at the end overpowered our men," the source said.
Earlier in the day, Nigerian forces had repelled attacks by Boko Haram extremists on the nearby cities of Maiduguri and Konduga.
Nigerian Defense spokesman Chris Olukolade said a 24-hour curfew had been imposed on Maiduguri following the scuffles.
Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden,” controls large parts of northeastern Nigeria.
It has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly attacks in various parts of Nigeria since 2009. Over 10,000 people have so far been killed in the assaults which have spread out to neighboring Chad and Cameroon.
Cameroon launched airstrikes against Boko Haram on December 28 last year after nearly 1,000 Boko Haram militants assaulted a military camp located near the country’s northern border, forcing the Cameroonian troops to flee. The base was retaken by Cameroon military later.
MSM/NT/AS
At least 13 killed in Nigeria protests against economic crisis
Police clash with Nigerians protesting against economic hardship
Nigeria school collapse kills at least 22 students, dozens injured
VIDEO | Escalation amid ceasefire talks
EU's Borrell says ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders binding
VIDEO | Press TV's News Headlines
VIDEO | Massacre in Pakistan’s Parachinar sparks outrage
Iran decries US intervention in Venezuela’s internal affairs
VIDEO | IAEA's loss of opportunity to revive diplomacy after new anti-Iran resolution
Hamas says female Israeli captive killed in Gaza, holds Netanyahu responsible
Majority of US Jewish teens 'sympathize with Palestinians': Survey
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
