Chadian security forces thwart armed attack on presidential complex, 19 dead

At least 19 people were killed on Wednesday evening in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, as security forces repelled an armed assault on the presidential complex.

According to the government, the attack was orchestrated by a group of armed fighters attempting to storm the heavily guarded facility.

In a swift response, security forces eliminated 18 of the 24 attackers, with six others sustaining injuries. Tragically, one member of the security forces was also killed, and three others were injured, one critically, during the gun battles.

Chad’s Foreign Minister and government spokesperson, Abderaman Koulamallah, confirmed the details in a statement on Thursday. “There were 18 dead and six injured among the attackers,” Koulamallah said. “We suffered one death and three injured, one of them seriously.”

Shortly after the incident, Koulamallah appeared in a video alongside armed soldiers, a gun visibly strapped to his belt, to reassure the public. “The situation is completely under control … the destabilization attempt was put down,” he declared.

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The attack occurred during an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who had earlier met with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby and other senior government officials.

President Deby was present inside the presidential complex at the time of the assault, according to Koulamallah.

The timing of the attack raised questions about whether it was intentionally planned to coincide with the high-level diplomatic visit. However, authorities have not disclosed any connections between the attackers and the visit.

Chad, located in the heart of the Sahel region, has faced ongoing challenges from armed groups and instability in recent years.

The country has been a critical ally in regional counterterrorism efforts, but internal security threats persist.

The government has not yet identified the assailants or their motives. The incident highlights the volatile security situation in Chad, where armed groups have attempted to exploit political transitions and periods of heightened diplomatic activity.

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Despite the attempted breach, Koulamallah assured citizens and international partners that the government remains firmly in control.

“The attack was an isolated event, and our forces acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize the threat,” he said.

Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the identities and affiliations of the attackers and to determine whether any larger conspiracy was at play.

The failed attack serves as a stark reminder of Chad’s ongoing security challenges and the critical need for vigilance to ensure the stability of its political institutions.