12 killed in Chad strike near Sudan border: security source

An airstrike in Chad near the Sudanese border killed at least 12 people on Thursday, according to a Chadian security source. The Sudanese army and the United States blamed the attack on the Sudanese military, while Sudan denied responsibility before a professional investigation. The conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, with the country's army clashing with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, resulting in over 11,000 civilian deaths and forcing more than 15 million people to flee their homes.

Sudan shares a border with Chad, which accuses the Sudanese army of aligning with the RSF. Nearly one million displaced individuals have fled to Chad. The Sudanese air force attacked a fuel market where the RSF refuels, causing 12 deaths and seven injuries. The Chadian security source emphasized that the incident took place in the Adikoun area near the border with Sudan.

Local Chadian media also pointed to the Sudanese military as responsible for the attack. Sudan's foreign ministry expressed surprise at the claims, asserting respect for Chad's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. Last week, Chadian armed forces reported a drone strike, suspecting the Sudanese army, while the US embassy in Khartoum condemned recent Sudanese military strikes inside Chadian territory, urging an end to military violence.