REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GABORONE -- Botswana Defence Force (BDF) on Friday confirmed it shot dead three poachers last Friday in northern area.

A statement from the army's directorate of protocol and public affairs said a patrol team deployed in the Kwando area shot and killed the poachers who were in possession of elephant tusks on May 15, adding that the BDF was exercising its mission of defending Botswana's territorial integrity and national interests.

BDF also commended Namibian rangers for information, which led to the successful interception of the poachers.

The matter had since been handed over to Botswana Police Service (BPS) for conclusion.

The southern Africa country said in March during the African Elephant Summit wildlife poaching has not yet become a serious threat to the elephant population in Botswana, but there have been confrontations between security forces of Botswana and armed poachers from neighboring countries which highlights the need for regional cooperation.

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