Chad's president has ordered the military to retaliate against future attacks from Sudan following a drone attack that killed at least 17 people and injured several other people attending a funeral. Wearing military uniform, President Idris Mahamat Déby convened an emergency security meeting on Wednesday evening, where he ordered the military to be on high alert. He also ordered a 'total closure' of the border with Sudan.
He described the attack targeting the border town of Tiné as 'outrageous and a blatant aggression' against Chad's territorial integrity. He mentioned that it had happened despite warnings to the two sides battling each other in Sudan and a previous closure of the border.
Last month, Chad closed its border with Sudan 'until further notice' to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups, though it allowed 'exceptional exemptions' on humanitarian grounds with relevant authorization.
Residents of Tiné stated that the victims of Wednesday's attack were mourners, having gathered for a funeral ceremony that included reading the Koran. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with the government expressing deep dismay and condolences for the bereaved families.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), controlling much of the western Darfur region bordering Chad, is suspected of carrying out the attack, although it denies involvement and blames Sudan's army. Sudan's government has previously accused Chad of supporting the RSF, allegations which N'Djamena has denied.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, beginning in April 2023, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced over 13 million people. Chad shares a 1,400 km border with Sudan, which has led to fears of escalating violence in the region.
He described the attack targeting the border town of Tiné as 'outrageous and a blatant aggression' against Chad's territorial integrity. He mentioned that it had happened despite warnings to the two sides battling each other in Sudan and a previous closure of the border.
Last month, Chad closed its border with Sudan 'until further notice' to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups, though it allowed 'exceptional exemptions' on humanitarian grounds with relevant authorization.
Residents of Tiné stated that the victims of Wednesday's attack were mourners, having gathered for a funeral ceremony that included reading the Koran. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with the government expressing deep dismay and condolences for the bereaved families.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), controlling much of the western Darfur region bordering Chad, is suspected of carrying out the attack, although it denies involvement and blames Sudan's army. Sudan's government has previously accused Chad of supporting the RSF, allegations which N'Djamena has denied.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, beginning in April 2023, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced over 13 million people. Chad shares a 1,400 km border with Sudan, which has led to fears of escalating violence in the region.
