Government official, 18 attackers killed in clashes between security forces and gunmen
At least 18 gunmen were killed and nine injured when they attempted to storm the presidential palace in Chad's capital on Wednesday, according to local media.
The attack took place in the Djambal Bahr neighborhood of N'Djamena with a clash between palace guards and the gunmen.
The gunfight, which lasted for about an hour, was brought under control by security forces by 9.30 p.m. local time (2030GMT).
A government official was also killed during the attack.
The identities of the attackers have not been disclosed, and while some sources have speculated that the assault may have been carried out by the Boko Haram terrorist group, there has been no confirmation by officials.
The Chadian government labeled the attack an "attempted coup."
The whereabouts of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno during the assault have not been disclosed.
Videos circulating on social media showed the attackers dressed in civilian clothes.
President Idriss Deby Itno died in April 2021 while leading an operation against the separatist group the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) in the country's north.
His death triggered a transition period, with his 37-year-old son Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno assuming the leadership of the Military Transitional Council.
In the ensuing months, Mahamat Deby promised that elections would be held after an 18-month transition and that power would be handed over to civilians. But in October 2022, the National Dialogue Forum extended the transition period by another two years, allowing Mahamat Deby to run for president in the 2024 elections.
He was elected president after winning 61% of the vote in the May 6 election.
On Nov. 28, the Chadian government announced the termination of its security and defense cooperation agreement with France.
Some French troops began withdrawing from Chad on Dec. 10 and President Deby confirmed that all French forces would be fully withdrawn by Jan. 31, 2025.
