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Boko Haram Strikes Again: Deadly Clash with Chadian Troops Leaves Many Dead

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 12th, 2024.

Boko Haram Strikes Again: Deadly Clash with Chadian Troops Leaves Many Dead

A significant clash between Chadian troops and Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region has resulted in numerous fatalities among the Chadian forces, according to officials on Sunday.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, expressing his sorrow for their loss while wishing a swift recovery to the injured. However, he did not provide further details on the incident.

The clash, which occurred on Saturday, follows a similar attack in late October when Boko Haram militants struck a Chadian military base, killing at least 40 soldiers. In retaliation, the Chadian military launched operations to counter the jihadist threat.

Chadian military sources confirmed that the fighting took place on Karia Island, situated in the northwest part of the Lake Chad region. Several hours of intense combat resulted in “numerous terrorist elements” being neutralized, according to the army’s chief of staff. A full casualty report is expected to be released later.

Reports from local media mentioned lists of killed and wounded soldiers, with some sources indicating the loss of several high-ranking officers in the battle. The region, with its vast network of islands and swamps, remains a haven for Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), who frequently target both military forces and civilians.

Boko Haram, which began its insurgency in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, has since spread across the region, contributing to the deaths of over 40,000 people and the displacement of millions. The group’s violent activities continue to destabilize neighboring nations, including Chad.