Chad Prepares Military Action After Deadly Drone Attack

Chad has begun the urgent relocation of refugees from its border with Sudan, an operation involving around 2,300 individuals, over half of whom are women and children. This measure is in direct response to intensifying cross-border attacks originating from Sudan. The relocation started on Saturday in the Ennedi Est province and is set to expand across all border towns that serve as refugee transit sites.

The Chadian army is actively deploying to the border region as authorities aim to secure the frontier in the coming days. This deployment follows a fatal drone attack from Sudan that killed 17 people in Chad, prompting President Mahamat Idriss Deby to order a military response. Chad had previously closed its eastern border with Sudan last month after five Chadian soldiers died in clashes.

Despite border closures, refugees continue to arrive in Chad, fleeing the ongoing and intense fighting within Sudan. The protracted conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has repeatedly led to incursions into Chadian territory, causing casualties and damage.