Chad declares state of emergency after deadly Boko Haram attacks

Chad has imposed a 20-day state of emergency in the Lake Chad region following a series of attacks by Boko Haram militants that left several soldiers dead in recent days.

The move, announced late on Thursday, comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in the region, which borders Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, and has long been affected by extremist-related violence.

The latest violence began earlier this week when Boko Haram fighters attacked the Barka Tolorom island military base.

Military sources said at least 23 soldiers were killed and 26 others were injured in the assault.

Just days later, two Chadian generals were reportedly killed in another ambush while patrolling islands in Lake Chad. Local media also reported additional casualties among soldiers, although authorities have not released an official death toll.

Following the attacks, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno declared three days of national mourning across the country. During the mourning period, flags are flown at half-mast, public celebrations are suspended, and only religious music and prayers are allowed in media broadcasts and places of worship.

The Lake Chad region remains one of the most volatile areas in West Africa, with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province continuing to carry out attacks against both civilians and security forces.

(Story compiled with input from wires)