Chad Presidential Palace Attack Leaves 19 Dead

At least 19 people lost their lives in a deadly attack on Chad's presidential complex on Wednesday, January 8. Gunmen launched the assault around 7:45 pm, but their attempt was swiftly thwarted by security forces.

According to Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad's government spokesman and foreign minister, the attackers were met with fierce resistance. Of the 24-strong commando unit, 18 were killed and six injured. Chad's security forces suffered one fatality and three injuries, with one person critically hurt.

Initially, the attackers were suspected to be Boko Haram members, but Koulamallah later clarified that they were "probably not" terrorists. Instead, he described them as drunken troublemakers, likening them to the hapless characters in a French comic strip.

The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Chad, which is currently under military rule. Boko Haram has been a persistent threat, particularly in the western Lake Chad region.

In a show of strength, Koulamallah appeared flanked by soldiers, with a gun on his belt, and declared that the situation was "completely under control." The government has assured citizens that the attempted destabilization has been put down.