Assault on Chad's Presidential Palace Leaves 19 Dead, Government Claims Victory

N'DJAMENA, Chad – At least 19 people were killed following an assault on Chad's presidential palace early Tuesday morning, according to the Chadian government. The government claims to have repelled the attack, launched by a rebel group, and declared the situation under control. However, the exact number of casualties and the extent of the damage remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from various sources.

The attack, which began before dawn, reportedly involved heavy gunfire and explosions near the presidential palace in N'Djamena. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and intense fighting in the area surrounding the heavily fortified complex. Social media was flooded with videos purportedly showing the assault, though their authenticity has yet to be independently verified.

The Chadian government, in a statement released later in the day, attributed the attack to the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), a rebel group that has staged several previous incursions into the country. The statement claimed that security forces swiftly responded, successfully repelling the attackers and inflicting heavy casualties. It added that 19 rebels were killed, while several government soldiers suffered injuries.

However, FACT has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and independent verification of the government's claims remains difficult due to restricted access to the affected area and limited information flow. Several international news organizations reported challenges in contacting sources within N'Djamena.

The attack comes at a sensitive time for Chad, which has been grappling with political instability and security challenges in recent years. The death of President Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 triggered a power vacuum, subsequently filled by his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who leads a transitional military government. This transition has faced criticism from opposition groups and international observers who question its legitimacy and democratic credentials.

The extent of the damage to the presidential palace and surrounding buildings is yet to be assessed. The government has imposed a curfew in N'Djamena and implemented increased security measures. International organizations are closely monitoring the situation, expressing concerns about the escalating violence and urging all parties to exercise restraint. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds and more information becomes available. The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability in Chad.