Islamist militants kill eight villagers in Cameroon

Eight villagers in Cameroon's Far North region were killed and nine injured in a raid by Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram that was followed by a gun battle between militants and security forces, a government official said on Thursday.

Boko Haram wants to create a caliphate and impose a strict version of Islamic law in adjacent northeastern Nigeria and has carried out cross-border raids in neighboring countries.

"Wednesday's attacks killed eight and wounded nine," said Babila Akaou, prefect for the Mayo-Sava district, referring to the overnight attack in the village of Doulo.

"For security forces and Boko Haram militants, we do not yet have a death toll," he said.

Boko Haram had used Cameroon's north to stockpile supplies and recruits until a government crackdown last year, but the militants have responded this year by ramping up attacks in the area.

Cameroon is part of an 8,700-strong regional force, led by Nigeria, that is still preparing to fight the militants. The United States also announced it would be sending troops and drones to help the fight against Boko Haram.