CRI听力:Niger, Chad Launch Offensive against Boko Haram

Forces from Niger and Chad have launched a ground and air offensive against Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria.

The assault comes following word the militant group has pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State.

Troops from Niger and Chad are part of a force of more than 8 thousand soldiers the African Union has compiled to try to combat the militant group, which has killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds during its six year campaign to carve out an Islamist state in northern Nigeria.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau posted an online message over the weekend, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.

This has led to new calls for Nigerian authorities to do more to fight the militant group. 

"Boko Haram has been a very difficult challenge to Nigeria. In fact they are the insurgence in Nigeria but now, as it is now that they have declared their support for international terrorists, I think it is time for the government of Nigeria to now mop up much of power either from other neighboring countries to be able to fight the insurgency."

The Nigerian government is downplaying Boko Haram's pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State, suggesting it’s a sign of weakness, claiming it shows the Nigerian military is having success in its campaign against the group.