Chad Accuses Sudan of Drone Strike Inside Its Territory

Chadian military authorities have accused Sudan of carrying out a drone strike against a convoy inside Chadian territory, raising fresh concerns that the conflict in Sudan could spill across the border and deepen regional tensions.

The reported attack took place on Thursday in Chad’s East Ennedi province, targeting vehicles more than 100 kilometres from the border with Sudan.

Chadian authorities have not indicated whether there were casualties or significant damage in the incident, but the reported strike has heightened concerns over the security situation along the countries’ shared frontier.

Chad Places Military on High Alert

Following the incident, Chad has placed its military units on heightened alert and warned all parties involved in Sudan’s conflict against violating its territorial integrity.

The Chadian authorities said the country reserves the right to defend its territory against any cross-border attacks.

The development comes as Sudan’s war continues to pose security and humanitarian challenges across the wider region.

Sudan has previously accused Chad of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country since April 2023.

Sudan-Chad Relations Under Strain

Khartoum has repeatedly alleged that N’Djamena allows RSF fighters and military supplies to move through Chadian territory.

Chad has rejected such allegations, while maintaining that it will protect its territory and prevent the Sudanese conflict from being imported into the country.

The latest accusation could further strain relations between the two neighbours and complicate efforts to contain the regional effects of Sudan’s war.

The reported drone strike is particularly significant because the targeted convoy was said to have been more than 100 kilometres inside Chad, well away from the immediate border area.

Fears of Regional Escalation

Sudan’s conflict has already had serious consequences for neighbouring countries, with large numbers of people fleeing across borders and armed groups operating in areas close to neighbouring states.

A direct military incident inside Chad could increase pressure on N’Djamena to strengthen its border security and potentially draw the country more deeply into the regional dimensions of the Sudanese conflict.

For now, Chad has warned the warring parties in Sudan against crossing its frontier and stressed its right to respond to threats against its territory.

The incident underscores the growing risk that Sudan’s prolonged conflict could generate wider instability in the region if cross-border attacks and accusations continue.