Nigerian forces neutralize 34 terrorists in northeast

By Adam Abu-bashal

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria has neutralized 34 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist organization in an operation in the country's northeast.

The operation was carried out against the Boko Haram splinter group in the Marte local government area of Borno state using A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft purchased from the US, according to military sources.

During the operation, the terrorist organization's camp was shelled and 34 terrorists were neutralized, including an ISWAP ringleader.

Weapons and ammunition were also seized during operations against armed gangs in Zamfara state in northwest Nigeria.

Boko Haram launched a bloody insurgency in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria but later spread its atrocities to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a military response.

Around 300,000 people have been killed and three million civilians displaced in over a decade of terrorism in the country, according to the UN Humanitarian Affairs office in Nigeria.