25 Nov 2020 | 05:52 PM UTC
Chad: Suspected Boko Haram attack kills four soldiers near Ngouboua (Lac region) November 24
Suspected Boko Haram attack kills four soldiers near Ngouboua (Lac region) on November 24; further attacks and counter-operations are possible in the near term
Event
At least four Chadian soldiers were killed and dozens of others injured in an explosion on a boat on Tuesday, November 24, whilst traveling near Ngouboua (Lac region), approximately 25km (15 miles) from the Nigerian border. The explosion occurred on Tuesday night (local time) and is believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted at the bottom of the boat by suspected Boko Haram militants.
A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the near term. Further attacks and counter-operations are possible.
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, 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.
