22 Mar 2019 | 03:12 PM UTC
Chad: Boko Haram kills 23 Chadian soldiers in Dangdala area March 22
Boko Haram militants kill 23 Chadian soldiers in Dangdala area March 22; similar Boko Haram attacks targeting Chadian military forces possible near Lake Chad over the near term
Event
Boko Haram militants attacked a Chadian army position in the Dangdala area, on the northeastern bank of Lake Chad, early (local time) on Friday, March 22, killing at least 23 soldiers. The militants reportedly crossed the Nigerien border before launching the raid and capturing military equipment. Similar Boko Haram attacks targeting Chadian military forces are possible near Lake Chad over the near term.
Context
The March 22 attack is believed to be the deadliest Boko Haram attack targeting Chadian military forces on record.
Although the regional counterinsurgency effort against Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the extent of their effective territorial control, the group continues to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of its activities are concentrated.
Advice
Individuals in Chad are advised to monitor related developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.).
