Chad has reinforced its eastern frontier and placed troops on maximum alert following an alleged Sudanese Armed Forces attack on a military convoy inside Chadian territory.
A security source said approximately 100 armoured vehicles and signal-jamming trucks had been deployed near Tine, close to the Sudanese border. The reinforcements include equipment intended to counter the threat posed by military drones.
Chad’s army accused Sudanese aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles of pursuing and striking a convoy in the eastern Ennedi region on August 20.
According to the Chadian military, the incident occurred more than 100 kilometres inside the country. No Chadian casualties were reported.
“The alert level has been raised to its maximum,” a Chadian security source said, adding that troops were strengthening their positions in response to the emerging drone threat.
Sudan has challenged the accusation, saying responsibility was assigned to its armed forces before an independent investigation had taken place.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said the army was fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to defend the country’s sovereignty and security while respecting neighbouring states and refraining from targeting their territory.
The confrontation has heightened fears that Sudan’s civil war could increasingly affect neighbouring countries. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has continued for more than three years.
The African Union has called on the parties to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation and ensure that Sudan’s war does not spread beyond its borders.