Chad: Boko Haram kills seven Chadian soldiers in Lake Chad area June 21

Event

Boko Haram militants ambushed Chadian soldiers and a local guard in Mbomouga, in the Lake Chad area, on Friday, June 21. At least seven Chadian soldiers were killed and another 13 security personnel were wounded. A Chadian military spokesman claimed that six Boko Haram militants were killed during the attack.

Similar Boko Haram attacks targeting Chadian military forces are possible near Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

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, especially in the Lake Chad area, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.