Boko Haram killed on Monday March 23 a hundred Chadians in an attack in Boma, in the Lac province, weakening the Chadian army in this border region where the jihadist group has been increasing the attacks in recent months.

President Idriss Deby Itno went in person to the scene of the attack on Tuesday to "bow to the bodies" of the 92 dead soldiers, he said on Chadian television, adding that it was " the first time "that he lost so many men. He decided to stay in the Lac province, saying that he was preparing a "lightning strike".

Some officers present on the spot, who asked for anonymity, evoke an even heavier toll. They claim that the jihadists stole equipment and also possibly took soldiers hostage during this attack which took place Monday before daybreak.

The clashes in Boma lasted more than 7 hours. Reinforcements sent by the Chadian army to the peninsula got bogged down and were themselves targeted, several military sources told AFP.

The army taken by surprise

"The camp is on an island where all the axes are tightly controlled by the elements of Boko Haram, they left the scene of their own volition, without being forced or routed by the Chadian army", denounces another responsible for regional security. "The enemy has dealt a major blow to our defense system in this area," said a senior officer who requested anonymity.

According to another soldier, 24 army vehicles were destroyed, including armored vehicles, while military equipment was recovered and taken away on five speedboats by elements of Boko Haram.

The Chadian army was taken by surprise by the attack which occurred around 5 am, while the assaults of Boko Haram occurred so far around midnight, details this same source.

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Download the app

google-play-badge_FR