Overview
- The assault, which hit Barka Tolorom island late Monday, left at least 23 soldiers dead and dozens wounded according to official tallies.
- Chad’s army said its forces repelled the attackers and killed a significant number of militants during the overnight clash.
- President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno condemned the raid and vowed to intensify operations until the threat is eliminated.
- Lake Chad’s marshes and scattered islands provide cover and crossing points used by Boko Haram and rival ISWAP, making posts like Barka Tolorom difficult to secure.
- The attack follows a pattern of renewed violence after a 2024 strike that killed about 40 troops, with the UN noting the wider conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions across the region.