Troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State militants in Nigeria’s northeast suffered a deadly attack this week, even as they advanced into a key insurgent zone known as the Timbuktu Triangle. The assault occurred on Tuesday near the village of Chilaria, underscoring the persistent threat of guerilla tactics.

While consolidating at a temporary base, soldiers were struck by two massive car bombs. Military officials confirm that one explosive-laden vehicle was destroyed before impact. The second, however, detonated within the defensive perimeter, damaging equipment and causing significant casualties.

Several soldiers and members of the local Civilian Joint Task Force, a community-led militia, were killed. Others were wounded in the blast. The injured were urgently airlifted to a military hospital by army helicopters, with air force jets providing protective cover overhead.

This attack came during a broader military push to clear terrorist camps in the area. In recent days, troops have engaged fleeing fighters in multiple villages, claiming to have killed a number of insurgents.

In a grim discovery, soldiers later found a mass grave containing an estimated 20 bodies. The military stated these were terrorists buried by their comrades, suggesting heavy enemy losses that are often concealed.

Despite the attack, the military command insists its operations are continuing with high morale. They vow to maintain pressure on the militants to restore security across the war-torn region.