Boko Haram claims responsibility for attack that killed six soldiers

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The violent Islamic sect Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack that left six soldiers and one civilian dead in Damaturu, Nigeria's northern Yobe state, Sunday.

"Again, we triumphed in Damaturu today (Sunday), around 12 noon when JTF (Joint Task Force) operatives attempted to stop one of our warriors in his bomb-laden vehicle at a checkpoint. After realizing their intention, he did not waste time in crashing into them," the local Daily Trust newspaper Monday quoted Boko Haram spokesman Abu Qaqa as saying in a statement.

According to Yobe State Police Commissioner, a suicide bomber in an explosive-laden vehicle slammed into a military patrol team, killing six soldiers and injuring nine others.

Yobe State has been under increased attack by suspected members of the violent Islamic sect Boko Haram in recent times.

On Friday, a suicide bomber failed in his attempted to blow up the Mosque where the Emir of Potiskum, Alhaji Mohammadu Ibn Abbali, worshipped, but bomber died while seven others, including policemen, were injured.
-0- PANA SEG 6Aug2012