Army retrieves northern town from Boko Haram

The Cameroonian army recovered Monday morning at the hands of Boko Haram, Balgaram, locality in the North near the city of Kano in Nigeria, the main stronghold of this terrorist organization, after two months of occupation following an attack which caused the death of five soldiers from elite units late July.

"Our elements took control of Balgaram after having pounded for hours the enemy positions. It is as a result of a carefully planned operation. The balance sheet is heavy in the camp of Boko Haram. On our side, a soldier received a bullet in the foot", suggested a military officer stationed in the region contacted by Xinhua.

Within 5 km of the Nigerian border, Balgaram was captured by the fighters of the dreaded Islamist sect following an attack July 24 against the positions of the defence forces and Cameroonian security which more than 20 soldiers and gendarmes were killed, according to an official death toll.

Supported by a reinforcement of men and equipment, these forces were engaged for months in a vast operation to secure the national territory decided by president Paul Biya to curb the threat of terrorism which is particularly felt in the area of the northernmost border of Nigeria.