Nigeria: 27 killed in mosque attack north of the country

ALGIERS, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- At least 27 people were killed and others injured when gunmen stormed a mosque during dawn prayers in Katsina State, northern Nigeria, Nigerian media reported on Wednesday.
Local residents said the attackers opened fire inside the mosque around 4:00 a.m. local time in a remote village in the Malumfashi area.
Similar attacks have surged across central Nigeria amid deteriorating security conditions and increased activity by terrorist groups.
Despite regular military operations, Nigerian forces continue to face major challenges in curbing the rising wave of violence.
Last week, the Nigerian Air Force announced that 592 terrorists were killed in Borno State over the past eight months as a result of intensified airstrikes in the northeast.
Chief of the Air Staff Hassan Abubaker said over 200 technical vehicles and 166 logistical hubs were destroyed during a wide-scale offensive. (end) mr.aai