Chad: Militants kill civilians in attack in Lac region July 31

Event

At least ten civilians were killed and seven others abducted during an attack carried out by alleged Boko Haram militants in Lac region on Friday, July 31. The incident occurred at around 03:00 (local time) in the village of Tenana. The assailants also looted the village and set fire to buildings during the attack.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area in the coming days and further attacks are possible over the medium term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - have greatly diminished the group's territorial control since 2015, its members continue 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 likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.