Chad: Boko Haram assaults military position in Lake Chad March 23

Event

During the early morning hours (local time) of Monday, March 23, suspected Boko Haram fighters assaulted a Chadian military position in the Lake Chad region. The attack occurred on the Boma peninsula (Lac province) and reportedly last for several hours. According to President Idriss Déby, 92 soldiers were killed, and 47 others were wounded in the fighting. At least 24 military vehicles were destroyed, and the militants stole weapons and ammunition before withdrawing from the area. It is reportedly the deadliest attack on Chadian forces since the start of operations in the region in 2015.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the coming days. Similar Boko Haram attacks are also possible in Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has 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.