NIAMEY, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Niger government has denied reports that terrorist group Boko Haram had recaptured the country's southeastern town of Bosso, less than 72 hours since the group carried out one of the deadliest attacks in the same town that left 30 Nigerien soldiers dead and over 70 injured.
Earlier on Monday, military sources that did not wish to be named had told Xinhua that the militant group had retaken the town, and forced governmental forces to flee.
"Contrary to the rumour being spread, the town of Bosso is totally under control. The will of Niger to fight cannot be weakened by Boko Haram," Government Spokesman Assoumana Malam Issa said on the state broadcaster.
Between Friday night and Saturday last week, hundreds of heavily armed Boko Haram fighters attacked a military base in the town, killing at least 30 Nigerien soldiers and leaving tens of others injured.
They looted and razed down the camp. Feeling overpowered, Nigerien soldiers fled. But reinforcement was deployed later in the day to recapture the town.
On Sunday, Niger's Defense Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou visited the town to deliver the message of sympathy and condolence from President Mahamadou Issoufou and the entire Nigerien population to the country's defense forces.
"We must continue to fight and ensure we avenge for the death of our comrades. We must win this war," the minister declared.
