This is a new tragedy in the Sahel, following the presence of many jihadists in the region. Boko Haram killed nearly 100 Chadian soldiers in an attack in Boma, in the Lac province of Chad. President Idriss Déby Itno went in person to the scene of the attack on Tuesday to "bow to the body" of the 92 dead soldiers, adding that it was "the first time" that he had lost as many men. He also decided to stay in the province, saying he was planning a "lightning strike".
A land that benefits Boko Haram
Some officers present on the spot, who requested anonymity, even evoke an even heavier toll. They say the jihadists may have taken soldiers hostage during the 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.
For several months, Boko Haram, whose insurgency was born in Nigeria in 2009, has been multiplying actions in the Lake Chad region. On the border of Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, this expanse of marshy water is dotted with islands, some of which have become the landmark of the members of the jihadist group, who benefit among other things from land that benefits them. Thus, the Boma camp "is on an island where all the axes are closely controlled by the elements of Boko Haram, they left the place of their own volition, without them being forced or routed by the Chadian army, "said another regional security official.
Jihadists recover equipment
"The enemy has dealt a major blow to our defense system in this area," even admitted a senior officer. According to another soldier, 24 army vehicles were destroyed, including armored vehicles, while military equipment was recovered and taken out of five speedboats by elements of Boko Haram.
World
An important figure of Boko Haram killed by the Niger army
World
France to send 600 additional soldiers to Mali
- Boko haram
- Africa
- Sahel
- Jihadism
- Chad
- World