Gunmen stormed Chad’s presidential complex in the capital, N’Djamena, on Wednesday evening, sparking a firefight that left 19 people dead, the government confirmed.
The assault, launched by a 24-member commando unit, resulted in the deaths of 18 attackers and one security personnel member. Six other attackers were injured, along with three members of the security forces, one of whom is in critical condition, according to government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah.
Gunfire erupted near the presidential complex around 7:45 pm local time (1845 GMT), with tanks deployed on the streets as security forces responded. All roads leading to the presidency were blocked during the operation, according to eyewitness reports.
“The situation is completely under control… the destabilisation attempt was put down,” Koulamallah said in a video posted on Facebook, flanked by soldiers and visibly armed.
Security sources identified the attackers as members of the Boko Haram jihadist group, which Chadian forces have been battling in the Lake Chad region bordering Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.
Chad, currently under military rule, has faced ongoing attacks from Boko Haram and broader security challenges. The country recently ended a military agreement with former colonial power France and has been accused of meddling in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
The government has not disclosed further details on the motives behind the assault, but investigations are underway.
