TROOPS REPEL ISWAP ATTACK IN BORNO, KILL SCORES
...Two soldiers killed, arms recovered as military says operation ongoing
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI early Wednesday morning repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province fighters on the Forward Operating Base in Magumeri, Borno State, killing “scores” of the attackers and recovering weapons, the military said.
Lt Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, said the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under cover of poor visibility but were “gallantly and decisively” contained. He said troops recorded “minor breaches on an isolated section of the camp” during the engagement. Further searches revealed blood trails, body drags and recovered corpses, “confirming the heavy casualties inflicted” on the attackers, according to the statement.
Weapons recovered from fleeing fighters include PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles and magazines, Lt Col Uba said. The military reported that two soldiers were killed in the battle, while an officer and other wounded personnel are in stable condition and receiving treatment. Some equipment and temporary structures were damaged by fire during the intense fighting, the statement added.
Troops are conducting exploitation operations in the area to consolidate gains and complete a battle damage assessment, the military said. The Military High Command commended the troops’ performance and urged them to sustain operational tempo. The statement described the failed attack as underscoring OPHK’s efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action in the theatre.
