An attack on a military garrison in western Chad, near the Nigerian border, has left around 40 people dead, according to government and local sources on Monday. The incident occurred late Sunday near Ngouboua, where over 200 soldiers were stationed.
The Chadian presidency reported that the attack took place at around 10:00 pm local time. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the scene early on Monday and announced a military operation to pursue those responsible for the attack.
Local reports indicate that the attackers briefly took control of the garrison, seizing weapons and setting vehicles equipped with heavy arms on fire before retreating. The Lake Chad region, known for its numerous islets and wetlands, has been a location where armed groups operate, occasionally launching attacks against military forces and civilians.
The incident comes amid ongoing regional security challenges, with the activities of armed groups affecting several neighboring countries. In March 2020, Chad’s military faced its heaviest single-day losses in an attack on the Bohoma peninsula, which resulted in nearly 100 casualties. This prompted a major military response led by then-president Idriss Deby Itno.
The ongoing instability in the Lake Chad region continues to displace thousands of residents. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 220,000 people in the region have been displaced due to attacks by armed groups as of June this year.
