N’Djamena, Chad – At least 15 Chadian soldiers lost their lives in intense clashes with Boko Haram militants on Saturday, November 10th. The Chadian army’s spokesperson, General Issakh Acheikh, confirmed the casualties on Sunday, adding that 32 soldiers were injured in the encounter.
The fierce fighting, which the army says took place in the Lake Chad region, resulted in the deaths of 96 Boko Haram fighters, according to General Acheikh. The army also claimed to have wounded 11 militants and seized a significant amount of weapons and equipment.
Despite the heavy losses, General Acheikh assured the public that the situation is under control and that the military operation, known as Operation Haskanite, continues to target and eliminate remaining Boko Haram elements in the region.
The Lake Chad region has long been a hotbed of insurgency, with both Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) carrying out frequent attacks. Last month, a devastating attack on a military base in the region claimed the lives of nearly 40 soldiers, prompting Interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby to threaten a withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Chad plays a crucial role in regional security efforts, particularly in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
