The Chadian government insisted that the situation in the capital, N'Djamena, was stable after gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.
Foreign Minister Abdul Rahman Kalamallah said in a video apparently recorded inside the palace complex that there had been a “small incident” but “all is calm.”
Sources close to the African country's government said that clashes took place between security forces and “terrorist elements.”
Agence France-Presse quoted Kalam Allah as saying that 18 attackers and a member of the security forces were killed.
The agency added that following the incident, tanks were seen in the area and all roads leading to the palace were closed
In the video posted on Facebook, Kalam Allah appears surrounded by members of government forces.
“Nothing serious happened,” he says.
He added, “We are here and we will defend our country with our blood. Be calm.”
“This entire attempt at destabilization has been thwarted.”
He was then seen taking pictures with the soldiers and raising his fist with them.
Agence France-Presse quoted Kalam Allah as saying that a commando unit consisting of 24 men launched the attack, adding that six of the attackers were wounded.
He added that three other members of the government forces were also injured.
The incident came just hours after a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the former French territory, where he met with President Mohamed Deby and other senior officials.
