At least five people were killed when a bomber struck a market in the town of Diffa in south-eastern Niger on Sunday, after the army repelled an attack by Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram on the border settlement. It was the second attack by Boko Haram in three days on Niger's southern border region, where some 2,500 Chadian troops have gathered ahead of a planned military offensive by regional powers against the Islamist group.
Niger's parliament is due to vote on Monday on a proposal to send its troops into Nigeria to help fight Boko Haram. Residents in Diffa said fighting was heard between around 6 am and 10 am (0600 to 1000 GMT) in the southern outskirts of the town.
"There was fighting between security forces and elements of Boko Haram who tried to enter the town," said a military source. "Fighting is taking place around the bridge at Doutchi. There are many dead."
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