Security forces in Chad successfully thwarted an armed assault on the presidential complex in N’Djamena, resulting in 19 fatalities, including one security force member.
The incident occurred during a high-profile diplomatic visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed that 18 attackers from a group of 24 armed individuals were killed during the attempted breach.
“The situation is completely under control… the destabilisation attempt was put down,” Koulamallah stated in a video released after the incident, appearing alongside soldiers with a visible firearm on his belt.
The assault coincided with crucial diplomatic meetings between President Mahamat Idriss Deby and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had concluded their discussions just hours before the attack.
President Deby was reportedly inside the presidential complex when the armed group launched their assault.The incident left three security personnel injured, one seriously, while the remaining six attackers were wounded during the confrontation.
This latest attempt to destabilise Chad’s government highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the Central African nation.