Chad: Boko Haram militants kill six soldiers in an ambush in Lac region October 20

Event

According to Chadian military officials, at least six soldiers were killed and 12 others wounded in a Boko Haram attack in Tchoukou Maria (Lac Region) in the late afternoon on Tuesday, October 20. According to a Chadian army spokesman, General Azem Bermendoa Agouna, the security forces were ambushed while conducting a reconnaissance patrol in the area, leading to a prolonged firefight.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the near term. Similar Boko Haram attacks are also possible in the Lac Region over the near 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, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.