30 Jan 2020 | 07:43 PM UTC
Chad: Suspected Boko Haram militants kill four on Lake Chad island January 30 /update 1
Suspected Boko Haram militants kill four people, including three Chadian soldiers and one civilian, on island in Lake Chad January 30; similar Boko Haram attacks on military positions possible over near term
Event
Suspected Boko Haram militants killed four people, including three Chadian soldiers and one civilian, in an attack on a military position on an island in Lake Chad early (local time) on Thursday, January 30. Chadian forces reportedly "neutralized" 21 Boko Haram fighters in the clashes, according to Chadian army chief General Taher Erda, and are searching for additional militants that fled the site of the skirmish.
Similar Boko Haram militant attacks are possible in Lac region 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.
