The official report released showed that 19 persons were killed, including 18 attackers and six suspects arrested.
The authorities, however, ruled out the possibility of terrorism.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday evening, heavy gunfire was heard in the centre of N’Djamena, near the presidential palace and initial reports, claimed that armed men had entered the palace grounds.
However, the Chadian government quickly issued a statement, reassuring the population that the situation was under control.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, and then the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, announced via Facebook that the situation was “under control.”
Mr. Koulamallah provided a detailed account of the events during his appearance on national television on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, noting that the attack involved 24 people, who arrived in a vehicle that had allegedly simulated a breakdown in front of the Presidency. Armed mainly with machetes and knives, the attackers attacked the guards on duty, the government spokesman added.
The official death toll was 19, including 18 attackers and one guard, while two other guards were seriously injured, and a third more lightly. Six
attackers were captured alive.
The authorities described the attackers as “Chadians speaking Arabic,” and were in possession of alcohol and were under the influence of narcotics. The government, which has for the moment ruled out terrorism is awaiting the conclusion of the investigation by the public prosecutor to determine the motivations for the attack.
AC/fss/gik/APA