Security forces in troubled Cameroon kill 5 civilians: HRW

Cameroonian security forces have killed five civilian men, one of whom was beheaded, in an attack on a village in a restive anglophone region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Wednesday.

The five were either killed execution-style or shot as they attempted to flee from forces raiding their neighbourhood on April 4 in Meluf, near an armed separatist camp in Northwest Region, HRW said.

Three of the bodies were later discovered mutilated, including two found with their hands tied and their genitals cut off.

"Government forces are committing abuses against people living in the Anglophone areas of Cameroon," said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, in a statement.

"Cameroon's civilian and military authorities should make it clear that these types of abuses will not be tolerated and hold commanders responsible."