At least forty (40) Chadian soldiers were reportedly killed in a recent encounter with Boko Haram terrorists.
Reports obtained by reporters on Monday revealed that the jihadist group had targeted a garrison that housed over 200 Chadian troops late Sunday in the Lake Chad region.
The attacked area near the Nigerian border is known for its challenges with various armed factions.
The latest raid has, however, led to a military operation aimed at pursuing the militants.
The presidency issued a statement on Monday confirming the attack. It indicated that the attack occurred near Ngouboua in the western part of the country, "tragically resulting in around 40 fatalities."
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the site early Monday and initiated an operation "to pursue the attackers and locate them in their most remote hideouts," the statement further noted.
Among the deceased was the commander of the garrison unit, as confirmed by a high-ranking officer who requested anonymity.
The assailants "managed to seize ammunition and equipment before making their retreat," the officer remarked.
Additionally, military sources reported that approximately 20 individuals sustained injuries.
"Boko Haram members took control of the garrison, seized the weapons, burnt vehicles equipped with heavy arms, and left," AFP quoted a local source saying.
The surprise attack struck a Chadian army position near the Nigerian border late on Sunday evening, military sources said.
"We have many casualties, yes, but the situation is under control and our forces are on the ground pursuing the enemy," the regional governor, General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, told AFP.
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