Chad: Soldiers killed in IED blast in Lake Chad region on July 8

Event

On Wednesday, July 8, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Kalam in the Lake Chad region killed at least eight soldiers and wounded 21 others. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place near the Nigerian border, but both the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram are known to operate in the region. The soldiers were undertaking operations against Boko Haram in the area at the time of the incident.

Further militant attacks are likely in the near to 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

Those in Chad, particularly in the Lake Chad region, are advised to monitor developments, 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.