Attack on Chad's Presidential Palace Leaves 18 Assailants Dead, Authorities Dismiss Terrorism Links

Eighteen assailants were killed, and six captured during an attack on Chad's presidential palace, state media reported on Thursday. One soldier lost his life, and three others were injured in the incident.

The assault occurred on Wednesday night while President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace. Authorities assured that the situation was swiftly brought under control.

"The situation is completely under control. There is no fear," Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated in a live broadcast from a calm presidential palace.

Speaking to state TV, Koulamallah commended the palace guards' vigilance and described the attackers as disorganized and under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He dismissed the possibility of terrorism, attributing the attack to local youths from N'Djamena, the capital.

The attack coincided with a visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier praised Deby Itno for restoring constitutional order.

Online speculation initially linked the attack to Boko Haram, a militant group active in the region. However, no evidence supported this claim.

Chad has been grappling with political instability, exacerbated by a controversial presidential election that confirmed Deby Itno’s leadership. He had been serving as interim president since 2021, following the death of his father.