A Chadian security source alleges that Boko Haram members have attacked Chadian soldiers, killing 11 and wounding 13.

The source added that 17 Boko Haram fighters also died in the fighting following the pre-dawn strike near the Nigerian border and Lake Chad.

The source was quoted as saying “Boko Haram members attacked our positions at 4:30 am in Kaiga Ngouboua about two kilometres (about a mile) from the Nigerian border.”

The Chadian Army has been on the front line of a regional military operation against Boko Haram, whose attacks have spread from northeast Nigeria, its traditional stronghold, to the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.