N’Djamena, Chad (Running Africa) — Chad has accused the Sudanese army of carrying out an air strike near the Chad-Sudan border that killed 12 people and injured seven others, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries as Sudan’s civil war increasingly threatens regional stability.
Chadian officials said the strike hit a fuel market in eastern Chad that was reportedly used as a refueling point by fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sudan has denied responsibility, saying its armed forces respect the sovereignty of neighboring countries and calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
The accusation follows another alleged cross-border strike last week, increasing concerns that Sudan’s conflict could spill further into Chadian territory.
Chad Says Sudan Air Strike Killed 12 Near Border
According to Chadian authorities, the latest attack struck a fuel market near the country’s border with Sudan.
At least 12 people were killed and seven injured.
Officials said the market had become an important refueling location for RSF fighters operating around the border region, potentially making it a target as the Sudanese Armed Forces intensify operations against the paramilitary group.
Chad has accused Sudan’s military of carrying out the strike, although Khartoum disputes that account.
The competing claims have not been independently verified.
Fuel Market Reportedly Used by RSF Fighters
The location targeted in the strike reportedly played a role in supplying fuel to RSF forces operating near the frontier.
The RSF has been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023, with the conflict expanding across large parts of the country.
Border areas have become particularly sensitive because fighters, refugees and commercial supplies can move through communities spanning Sudan and neighboring states.
Any military operations crossing into Chad would significantly increase the risk of the conflict developing into a broader regional security crisis.
Chad Reports Second Suspected Sudanese Strike in Days
The latest allegations come shortly after Chad accused Sudanese forces of carrying out another strike inside its territory.
Chadian authorities said last week that strikes targeted a military convoy more than 100 kilometers inside Chad.
The two incidents have heightened concerns in N’Djamena about the security of the country’s eastern regions.
Chad has responded by reinforcing its military presence along the frontier as authorities attempt to prevent Sudan’s war from spilling across the border.
Chad Reinforces Sudan Border With Military Equipment
Amid growing security concerns, Chad has deployed additional forces and equipment to areas close to Sudan.
The reinforcements reportedly include armored vehicles and signal-jamming equipment, strengthening the country’s ability to monitor and respond to potential threats.
Protecting the border has become increasingly difficult as Sudan’s conflict continues with no durable political settlement.
The frontier is also critical to humanitarian operations supporting Sudanese refugees who have crossed into Chad.
Sudan Denies Violating Chad’s Sovereignty
Sudan has rejected Chad’s accusations.
The Sudanese military said it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries and denied deliberately conducting operations inside Chadian territory.
Sudanese authorities have called for an independent investigation to determine what happened.
The denial leaves conflicting accounts of the incident at a time when relations between the two neighbors face growing pressure from the continuing war.
Nearly One Million Sudanese Refugees Now in Chad
The security tensions are unfolding alongside a major humanitarian crisis.
Chad is hosting nearly one million Sudanese refugees who have fled across the border since fighting erupted between the SAF and RSF.
Many are living in difficult conditions in eastern Chad, where humanitarian organizations are struggling with growing demand for food, shelter, healthcare and other essential services.
Further instability along the border could complicate aid deliveries and create additional risks for both refugees and Chadian communities hosting them.
Sudan War Raises Growing Regional Security Concerns
The latest alleged strike demonstrates how Sudan’s prolonged civil war is placing increasing pressure on neighboring countries.
Chad has already absorbed a substantial share of the conflict’s refugee population. It now faces the additional challenge of preventing military operations from crossing into its territory.
With 12 people reported killed, seven injured and Chad strengthening its military presence along the frontier, the incident risks adding a diplomatic confrontation to an already volatile regional crisis.
Whether tensions escalate could depend on efforts to establish responsibility for the strike and prevent further incidents along the Chad-Sudan border, where the consequences of Sudan’s war are increasingly being felt beyond the battlefield.
