Chad's president has ordered the military to retaliate against future attacks from Sudan following a drone attack that killed at least 17 people and injured several others attending a funeral.


Wearing military uniform, President Idris Mahamat Déby convened an emergency security meeting on Wednesday evening, where he ordered the military to be on high alert. He also ordered a total closure of the border with Sudan.


He described the attack targeting the border town of Tiné as outrageous and a blatant aggression against Chad's territorial integrity.


He stated that the attack came despite previous warnings to the opposing factions in Sudan and a previous closure of the border.


Last month, Chad closed its border with Sudan until further notice to prevent repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups, although it allowed exceptional exemptions for humanitarian needs with prior authorization.


Residents of Tiné reported that the victims were mourners gathered at a house for a funeral ceremony involving the reading of the Koran.


The attack has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including from the National Assembly, with a statement acknowledging the government’s deep dismay and extending condolences to the families of the victims.


The spokesman added that Chad has reinforced the posture of its defense and security forces, ready to pursue its rights in Sudanese territory in strict compliance with international law.


The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are suspected of carrying out the attack, although they deny involvement and blame Sudan's army, which has reciprocated the allegations against the RSF.


Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since April 2023 due to a power struggle between its army and the RSF, which has resulted in extensive casualties and the displacement of millions, including nearly one million refugees to Chad.


The porous and often uncontrollable 1,400 km border between Chad and Sudan has raised concerns about escalating violence following Chad's recent decision to retaliate against future attacks.