Nigerian village attack by extremists in army fatigues leaves 140 dead

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Associated Press in Benisheik
theguardian.com, Friday 20 September 2013 13.13 BST

At least 140 bodies have been recovered after an attack by suspected Islamist militants in north-east Nigeria, according to officials.

Two soldiers and three police officers also died, according to a soldier who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, during a visit on Thursday to the village of Benisheik by Borno state's governor, Kashim Shettima.

Extremists, believed to be Boko Haram fighters, in military fatigues attacked in about 20 pickup trucks and two light tanks firing anti-aircraft guns that overwhelmed soldiers armed only with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, the soldier said. He claimed the soldiers led the attackers to the village.

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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/20/nigeria-village-islamist-140-dead

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Also: Nigeria's 'Boko Haram': Abuja sees security forces targeted

A cell of suspected Islamist militants has opened fire on security forces in Nigeria's capital Abuja, say officials.

The clash occurred at about 03:00 local time after a tip off about the location of a suspected Boko Haram weapons cache, Nigeria's spy agency said.

The State Security Service did not give any details about casualties. A witness told the BBC he saw nine bodies.
...
If confirmed, it would be the first time Boko Haram has staged an attack in Abuja this year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24178048

[Supersedeas]

4. if confirmed

[Turbineguy]

2. Because as Osama bin Laden

would tell you, nothing succeeds in getting your point across better than murdering a bunch of people.

[Igel]

6. It's how God strikes terror into those who don't believe.

Expect neck-striking with an axe to follow. Standing on the promises and all that.

Or, as others have put it, it's better to be feared than loved.

[Divine Discontent]

3. Islamist militants

monsters

[oberliner]

5. Horrifying

Can anything be done?