The fierce encounters between Chad military forces and Boko-Haram terrorists has turned bloody in recent times, with both sides recording huge casualties.
The intense war between the two sides started when the terrorists launched a deadly attack on the Chadian soldiers in October, killing over 40 at Barkaram military base in Chad.
Reacting to that attack, it was reported in the first week of November that Chadian government withdrawn it’s military from the Multinational Joint Task Force operations in the West African region, citing perceived shortcomings in coordination and effectiveness in combating terrorism.
Following the Barkaram attack, the Chadian forces, led by the country’s President, Idriss Deby Itno, launched a hunting campaign in November as a retaliation to eliminate the terrorists responsible for the attack.
The leader wa reported to have set up several camps at Lake Chad’s edge, where he directed Operation Haskanite to track down the terrorists.
The Chadian retaliation yield result last week when they hunted and killed about 96 Boko-Haram militants in a deadly clash.
The Chadian Military Spokesperson, General Issakha Acheikh disclosed the details of the attack last week Sunday, where he noted that they have recovered several arms from the terrorists.
He also noted about six canoes used by the terrorists was destroyed during the attack and about 11 others were injured.
However, 11 soldiers died and about 32 sustain injuries on the side of the Chadian forces as disclosed by General Acheikh.
Among the casualties are top military officers in the army.
According to the Chadian Defense and Security Forces, they include two generals, a lieutenant colonel, and a colonel.
They are Brigadier General Youssouf Abdoulaye Kari, General Adoum Issa, Colonel Lony Allatchi, Lieutenant Colonel Gorou Wardougou.
Additionally, several other officers, including Generals François Tatiko and Moubarack Formalick, sustained injuries during the fierce battle.
The fallen heroes were put to rest in a burial ceremony that took place at Military Camp in Farcha, and presided by Chadian Prime Minister, Lamai Halina.
While they mourn the death of their military men, President Deby has vowed to intensify its counterterrorism efforts in response to the escalating violence in the Lake Chad region.
Reports are indicating that the continues attack by the Chadian forces have pursued the insurgents deep into the lake’s island marshes, forcing them to scatter and abandon their camps with cattle, food items and other logistics.
It is assumed that some of the terrorists escaping military airstrikes and land encroachment by the Chadian forces would return into Nigeria, especially through bordering towns in Borno.
Would this retreat by the terrorists pose more insecurity concerns for Nigerian security forces and the civilians populations?
