The Chadian government has confirmed a deadly attack by the terrorist group Boko Haram on a military base in the Lake Chad region, resulting in the deaths of 40 soldiers.
According to a statement from the presidency, the assault occurred late Sunday night, between 10 p.m. GMT and midnight, at a base in Barkaram, located west of Ngouboua in the Lac province’s Kaya department.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno visited the base early Monday morning to assess the site, honor the fallen soldiers, and offer support to the wounded troops.
In response to the attack, President Déby announced the launch of Operation Haskanite, a mission to pursue the attackers and dismantle their strongholds.
The Lake Chad province, which borders Nigeria—an area often targeted by Boko Haram—is frequently affected by the group’s violent campaigns.
Boko Haram has been responsible for numerous attacks and abductions in Nigeria and surrounding nations, including Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.