Central Africa: fighting kills six soldiers and 22 jihadists in Lake Chad region

Three-week operation by troops from Niger and Nigeria targeted area that has become a bolthole for Boko Haram and Isis-linked militants

Six soldiers and at least 22 jihadists have died in fighting in the Lake Chad region of central AfricA, a joint force deployed to the area said on Friday.

The force described the operation, conducted by troops from Niger and Nigeria backed by fighter planes, as a success" and said it had benefited from decisive support by American partners".