Rift Valley: Deadly Ambush Leaves Chadian Soldiers Counting Heavy Losses
A bloody encounter between Chadian forces and Boko Haram extremists has claimed the lives of at least 40 Chadian soldiers, according to reports received by Naijawebinfo on Monday.
The attack unfolded late on Sunday evening when the extremist group launched a surprise assault on a garrison in the Lake Chad region, which is known for its troublesome history with various armed factions.
The garrison, situated near the Nigerian border, was home to over 200 Chadian troops. The assault caught the soldiers off guard, leaving them scrambling to react to the sudden violence.
In an attempt to contain the crisis, the Chadian government has deployed a military operation to pursue the militants and locate them in their most remote hideouts. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the affected area early on Monday, where he authorized the operation to hunt down the perpetrators.
A high-ranking officer, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the commander of the garrison unit was among the deceased. The officer also revealed that the attackers managed to seize ammunition and equipment before fleeing the scene.
Further reports indicate that approximately 20 individuals sustained injuries, making it a grueling experience for the affected soldiers.
AFP quoted a local source, saying, “Boko Haram members took control of the garrison, seized the weapons, burnt vehicles equipped with heavy arms, and left.”
The attack occurred in a dramatic and swift manner, leaving the Chadian army scrambling to regain control of the situation. As General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, the regional governor, assured, “We have many casualties, but the situation is under control, and our forces are on the ground pursuing the enemy.”
