Chad: New military operation against rebels in Kouri Bougoudi Sep.13 /update 2

Event

On Thursday, September 13, the Chadian military reportedly bombarded suspected rebel positions around the northern locality of Kouri Bougoudi, located near the border with Libya (Tibesti region; north). According to a local source, several civilians were injured during the operation. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in Tibesti in the near-term. Further military operations are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context 

On August 25, the Chadian military announced it had deployed additional forces to the country's border with Libya to prevent incursions from rebel groups operating in Libya and opposed to President Idriss Deby. On August 11, The CCMSR (Conseil de commandement militaire pour le salut de la République) rebel group attacked Kouri Bougoudi in an attempt to eventually take back control of the country and put an end to Deby's presidency.

Advice

Individuals in the Tibesti region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid mining areas, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

In general, due to the high terrorist threat, individuals in Chad are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities and remain vigilant at all times, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g., public transportation, train stations, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). For these and other security reasons, many Western governments advise against all travel to areas near the borders with Niger, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Nigeria, and the Lake Chad region, as well as nonessential travel to the rest of the country, including N'Djamena. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to or within the country.