Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Four Cameroonian soldiers have been killed, and one critically injured in a brazen attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Fotokol, a border town in the far north of Cameroon, military sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw the destruction of an entire military post and two vehicles, both of which were set ablaze.
“The attackers came heavily armed, using drones and what appeared to be long-range rifles. Our men were caught off guard,” a senior military officer told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
The assailants reportedly looted military weapons before fleeing the scene.
ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack within 24 hours, underscoring the group’s growing audacity and tactical evolution.
“Fotokol has become a recurring target. We are in a state of mourning,” a local security official said.
Over 20 Cameroonian troops have been killed in the past three months in similar offensives blamed on ISWAP and Boko Haram.
