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At Least 23 Chadian Soldiers Killed in Boko Haram Attack
Army officials said 46 were wounded as militants attacked the Barka Tolorom base, underscoring a renewed Boko Haram threat around Lake Chad.
On Monday, suspected Boko Haram jihadists attacked the Barka Tolorom military base on Lake Chad, leaving 25 dead and 46 wounded according to an army source, though an official reported 24 dead.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno condemned the "cowardly attack" on Tuesday, pledging to "continue the fight with renewed determination until this threat is completely eradicated."
An October 2024 attack that left 40 soldiers dead prompted Deby to launch a two-week counter-offensive he vowed to lead "personally," highlighting the region's escalating violence.
Islands surrounding Lake Chad provide refuge for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, though the army previously claimed the area had "no more sanctuary on Chadian territory."
Recent months have seen a surge in kidnappings and attacks by Boko Haram's JAS faction, particularly targeting advanced army positions along Niger's portion of the lake's shores.