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Seven Chadian soldiers were reported dead in landmine at a region where jihadist groups including Nigeria’s Boko Haram and an Islamic State offshoot are active.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said several other soldiers were injured in Monday’s night blast in Tchoukou Telia in the restive Lake Chad region, about 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the capital N’Djamena.
The president said, “Their vehicle struck a mine while they were patrolling. Seven soldiers were killed and several others injured”.
AFP reported on Tuesday, that Deby Itno took power after his father Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled Chad with an iron fist for more than 30 years, died in 2021while fighting rebels.
He is a candidate in a May 6 presidential election and faces no real challenge as authorities this weekend barred 10 candidates, including two fierce opponents of the military regime, from standing.
It has been the site of frequent attacks from fighters from Boko Haram as well as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
AFP
