Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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        Nigeria says 14 Militants, 3 Soldiers Killed in Latest Fighting

   Nigeria`s military says it killed 14 Boko Haram militants and captured
   20 others Sunday, as it presses its offensive against the
   al-Qaida-linked group in the country`s restive northeast.
   A military spokesman, General Chris Olukolade, said three government
   soldiers were also killed in the fighting. The violence intensified
   last week with what the military describes as it largest offensive
   against the militants since the northern insurgency began in 2009.
   The spokesman did not pinpoint where the fighting occurred, but said
   government troops have been engaging a large number of heavily armed
   militants in the region for the past two days.
   Boko Haram, which is seeking to carve out an Islamist state in northern
   Nigeria, has been tied to dozens of deadly bombings and shootings in
   the north, including two deadly raids on northern towns in the past
   eight weeks. Authorities say nearly 250 people were killed in the
   attacks on the towns of Baga and Bama.
   VOA reporters could not independently verify details of the
   government`s latest claims because of blocked roads and faulty
   communication networks.
   The United States and human rights groups have voiced concerns about
   possible abuses against civilians by the military. A VOA reporter in
   Maiduguri said Sunday that locals were enduring a 24-hour military
   curfew, and that most residents could not communicate with the outside
   world. Burt he also said many residents believe the offensive could
   ultimately bring peace to the region, if government troops exercise
   care with civilians.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-says-14-militants-3-soldiers-
   killed-in-latest-fighting/1664143.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-says-14-militants-3-soldiers-killed-in-latest-fighting/1664143.html