The Cable | February 21, 2020
A source told TheCable that the insurgents broke into the town around 7pm on Friday, shooting sporadically.
Soldiers who were said to have engaged them in a gun battle later pulled back for reinforcement.
After the security operatives beat a retreat, the insurgents were said to have moved into the town fully, setting many houses on fire.
“Garkida is currently on fire… many people have been killed and their houses covered with smoke,” he said.
The source said having wreaked havoc on Garkida, the insurgents advanced to neighboring towns.
Another source corroborated his account but said the security operatives have returned to the town.
The source the insurgents hoisted their flag in the town but TheCable could not independently verify the claim.
“People ran to hide inside the mountains while they watched their houses being burnt by the insurgents,” another resident said.