Description: The Chadian military has announced that 23 of its soldiers were killed in an attack by the terrorist organization Boko Haram while additional 26 soldiers were severely injured. The attack occurred on the Chadian island of Barka Toolroom where a military outpost was overrun through a well – coordinated assault from Boko Haram. The island is located in the Lake Chad basin, a resource – rich region spreading across four countries and a contested field for control between terrorists, militants and military forces. Chad’s president, Mahamat Deby, announced that Chad’s military would launch extensive counter terrorist operations to expel the terrorist group from the country.
Impact: Boko Haram’s attack publicly extends the terrorist group’s operational outreach in the contested Lake Chad region which would likely prompt rivaling groups from ISIS active in the region and national military forces to rapidly expand operations. Chad has been plunged by political instability, a refugee crisis stemming from the civil war in Sudan and a porous border security which would likely further cripple the country’s already failing economy. Despite controlling vast resources, Chad has been plunged into continued crisis through constant terrorist activities and escalating neighboring conflicts, which are likely to escalate in the short – term considering the aggravated security situation in continental Africa. Chad would likely remain in a perpetual economic crisis due to numerous security factors which are likely to prevent the country from establishing firm control over its resource – rich regions. Terrorist activities through central Africa are likely to escalate, primarily led by Boko Haram and ISIS further deteriorating the already unstable region.