Sudan Drone Attack Kills 17 in Chad as War Spills Over

A drone attack originating from Sudan has resulted in 17 deaths in Chad, including mourners at a funeral and children, according to the Chadian government and local reports. The incident occurred in the border town of Tine on Wednesday afternoon during a religious ceremony. Initial reports indicated 16 fatalities and 10 wounded, but the toll was later confirmed at 17 dead with 123 injured by Doctors Without Borders. Local sources describe two explosions impacting those gathered for a funeral and children playing nearby. The attack marks a further escalation of violence spilling over from Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023. Chad recently closed its eastern border with Sudan following previous clashes that resulted in the deaths of five Chadian soldiers. President Mahamat Idriss Deby has ordered the army to retaliate for any future attacks from Sudanese territory, and the government has increased security along the border, potentially including operations within Sudan. Officials confirm all casualties were civilians.