Chad: IED blast targets military vehicle near Fouli (Mayo-Kebbi Est region) September 5

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) detonation killed three members of the security forces and wounded eight others near Fouli (Mayo-Kebbi Est region) on Saturday, September 5. A local official held the Boko Haram militant group responsible for the attack, which targeted a military vehicle traveling in the area. The Chadian army has not commented on the incident.

Further attacks in the area, and security operations, are possible in 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

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.