Chad: Officials confirm situation under control following 'destabilization attempt' in N'Djamena late Jan. 8 /update 1

Officials have confirmed that the situation in N'Djamena is under control following gunfire in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace late Jan. 8. Authorities asserted that the gunfire occurred in connection with a "destabilization attempt [that] was put down." A commando unit reportedly launched the assault and fired shots within the presidential compound. Responding security forces killed 18 of the 24 assailants and wounded the six others while sustaining one death and three injuries. Military personnel blocked off roads leading to the presidential compound.

Lingering heightened security and disruptions to transport and business will likely affect the vicinity of the Presidential Palace over the short term. Authorities may set up security checkpoints in the capital and implement curfew measures, other movement controls, and telecommunications restrictions on short notice in response to the foiled destabilization attempt.