Six Killed in Boko Haram Attacks in Cameroon

Six people, including four civilians, were killed on Thursday in the far north of Cameroon following two incursions by Boko Haram militants, sources told AFP on Friday.

"Boko Haram appeared yesterday (Thursday) around 1900 (1800 GMT) at Assighassia," a police officer in the region said on condition of anonymity. "There followed an engagement between them and our soldiers. Two assailants were killed and one soldier was injured."

Around two hours later, more Boko Haram militants attacked the village of Ganse, also in the far north of Cameroon, killing four.

"They shot three people and slit the throat of another," a local leader said.

"As soon as we heard shots fired, we climbed the fence to flee into the brush," he said. "The people killed were buried (on Friday) morning and we are looking for ways to leave the village because our security is no longer guaranteed."

The nearby village of Kolofata was attacked by Boko Haram in July, with several people killed and kidnapped, including the wife of a vice-prime minister and traditional chief, who are still missing.

The region is separated from northern Nigeria -- Boko Haram's base -- by only a thin stretch of water. Thousands of Nigerians have fled to northern Cameroon in recent weeks following advances by the militants.

Cameroon has beefed up its security presence in the region recently, following a surge in cross-border attacks.