Source: BBCFierce battles between Boko Haram and a growing coalition of Nigeria’s neighboring states has left hundreds dead this week. Swarms of the group’s jihadists launched a series of attacks inside Niger on February 6, marking the first time that Boko Haram has penetrated into that country. The attacks, which reportedly left over 100 Boko Haram fighters dead, also injured a senior Chadian army general. Chadian forces, who have taken a lead role in battling Boko Haram in recent days, fought alongside Niger’s troops on Friday. Unnamed US intelligence officials estimated this week that Boko Haram has about 4,000-6,000 “hardcore” fighters.