TRAC Incident Report: Boko Haram (JAS) Militants Led an Armed Assault on Chadian Army Forces in Barkaram (Bargarom), Lac Region, Chad – 28 October 2024
TRAC Top Line
Despite their proximity to the Jihadist infested Borno State of Nigeria, Diffa Region of Niger, and Far-North Region of Cameroon, incidents in Chad are few and far between, as there is likely an implicit agreement amongst the militants to not attack the state and use it for administrative purposes.
In light of ISWA expansion, Boko Haram has been reduced to a few smaller cells, with one being located at the Cameroonian border of Gwoza LGA in Borno State Nigeria, with the other primary cell being located in the northern area surrounding Lake Chad. That being said, this incident is clear evidence that while clearly losing the numbers game to ISWA, that the militants still pose a considerable threat, and are capable of serious damage. Groups like Boko Haram who take the backseat to larger militant groups are often ignored, allowing them to regroup and re-establish themselves, a move that the militants are undoubtedly currently carrying out.
The Incident
On 28 October 2024, Boko Haram militants led an armed assault on Chadian army forces stationed in Bakaram, Lac Region, Chad. The militants reportedly killed at least 40 soldiers in the attack, prompting the President, Idris Deby, to announce an counter operation, “Operation Haskanite” to avenge the killed soldiers and rout the militants.
Press Release
Text:
The Presidency of the Republic informs national and international opinion that a base of the Defense and Security Forces was attacked by assailants last night, Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Barkaram, an island located west of Ngouboua in the department of Kaya, Lac province. This attack tragically left about forty dead among our soldiers.
Alerted to the situation, the President of the Republic, Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, visited the site early this morning. He was able to observe the situation on the ground, pay tribute to the missing soldiers, express his compassion for the wounded and boost the morale of his brothers in arms.
As guarantor of the country’s security and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Head of State, MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, launched Operation HASKANITE to pursue and track down the attackers to their last strongholds.
The President of the Republic wishes to reassure the populations of the area, as well as the Defense and Security Forces, of his unwavering commitment to defending and securing the entire country.
Photos
Map
Location of Barkarom (Bargarom)