At least 19 people, including 18 militants, were killed during an attack on the presidential palace in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, as reported by AFP. The Chadian government confirmed the deaths, which occurred when unidentified gunmen launched an assault on the heavily guarded palace. Fortunately, the attack was quickly repelled by the Chadian armed forces.
Initial reports from local media outlet Tchadinfos indicated that shots had been fired near the palace, causing panic in the area. The attack, which took place in the heart of the capital, sparked immediate concerns over the safety of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and the security of the country.
Al Arabiya reported that the militant group Boko Haram was believed to have been behind the assault. While there has been no official confirmation of the group’s involvement, Chadian security officials indicated that the Boko Haram terrorist organization may have been responsible for the attack. Boko Haram, notorious for its violent campaigns in the Lake Chad region, has been a significant threat to Chad and its neighbors, including Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria.
In response to the attack, the Chadian authorities quickly deployed tanks and additional police units around the presidential palace, reinforcing security in the capital. Meanwhile, citizens of N’Djamena have gathered in support of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, demonstrating their solidarity with the government amid the alarming attack.
The attack on the presidential palace marks a disturbing escalation of the security situation in Chad. It highlights the continued threat posed by armed militant groups in the region, including Boko Haram, which remains a significant force of instability. As the situation unfolds, Chad’s leadership faces mounting pressure to strengthen security measures and protect both its leaders and citizens from future attacks.
