Chadian troops have caused Islamist sect, Boko Haram heavy casualty after fighting which lasted from Tuesday, February 17 to Thursday, February 19, 2015.
This was made known by residents who fled the areas earlier besieged by the insurgents and spoke to AFP on Thursday, February 19, 2015.
A resident of Dikwa, Bababura Diwa who spoke via telephone to AFP from across the border in Fotokol, Cameroon said: “Chadian soldiers took over Dikwa from Boko Haram after heavy fighting on Tuesday.
“When they came into Dikwa there was intense fighting but at last they subdued the Boko Haram fighters,” he added.
“They killed many of them, including Abu Ashshe, their commander who was notorious for seizing cattle in the area.
“I used the opportunity provided by the presence of the Chadian troops to leave the town. I was afraid to leave when Boko Haram took over the town for fear of being branded a traitor and killed.”
Anoher resident Jidda Saleh said the Chadian military had launched heavy aerial attacks before ground attacks on Kala-Balge area, especially Nduwu village, which was a stronghold for the sect members.
He said:“The whole village was bombarded and it is obvious Boko Haram suffered heavy casualties from the aerial attack. Ground troops moved in later.
“Meleri, which has a huge Boko Haram concentration, was also bombed by Chadian military jets and then taken over by ground troops.
“By the time we left we learnt the Chadian soldiers were on their way to Kushimori village where Boko Haram keep the livestock they seize from people.
“They have kept thousands of livestock there. They sunk boreholes and recruited people to rear the animals for them”.
