At least 200 Boko Haram militants and 9 Chadian soldiers were killed in clashes during a raid in neighbouring Nigeria, Chad's military said in a statement on Tuesday.
"We regret nine dead and 21 wounded. On the enemy side: more than 200 deaths...," the military said referring to the clashes that took place early on Tuesday, AFP news agency notes. The statement, however, added that the operation in the bordering Nigerian town of Gamboru was an ongoing event and therefore, death toll is still likely to rise.
The official confirmation comes after it was reported earlier that Chadian forces had acquired a key victory over the border town within hours of launching a ground offensive against the notorious jihadist group.
About 2,000 Chadian troops had crossed the border from Cameroon's Fotakol town, following days of local clashes with militants. AFP reported citing one of its journalists present in Gamboru that the troops had successfully taken control of the town by Tuesday evening, although the fighting ended up in chaos.
Dozens of houses were destroyed, while shops were gutted and vehicles torched. Residents and other fighters reportedly fled the bloody scene in the former stronghold of Boko Haram.
