Nigerian troops thwart attack, kill 60 suspected terrorists in northeastern state

ABUJA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 60 suspected terrorists were killed by Nigerian troops who thwarted an attack on a troop location in the country's northeastern state of Borno early Friday, the army said.

The army said in a statement on X that suspected terrorists attempted to hit a military base in Bita, located in the southern part of Borno, but were overpowered through the joint efforts of the land and air troops. The area has seen increased terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting intensified military action.

The army said the Friday morning anti-terror operation "marked a significant success in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the northeast."

It said the air troops delivered precision strikes that destroyed two enemy gun trucks, hitting "over 60 terrorists" in the initial engagement. At the same time, ground forces commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements. Enditem