Chad’s government is pushing back against accusations that its military deliberately targeted civilians during recent operations against Boko Haram fighters around Lake Chad, even as calls grow for independent investigations into deadly airstrikes in the region.

Chadian government has denied allegations that civilians were deliberately targeted during recent military operations against Boko Haram militants on Lake Chad cbinews.tv reports.

The denial comes after reports that dozens of people were killed in separate Nigerian and Chadian airstrikes last week, with local sources claiming that up to 40 fishermen remain missing following the attacks.

Speaking to reporters, Chad’s Minister of Communication, Gassim Cherif Mahamat, described the accusations as attempts to “discredit the Chadian army,” insisting that the country’s armed forces remain professional in the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

Mahamat also said the Chadian government is open to transparent investigations into the incidents, while blaming Boko Haram for creating fear and instability among communities around the lake.

Nigeria’s military has also maintained that its operations specifically targeted jihadist fighters operating within the border region shared by Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

Boko Haram has carried out a violent insurgency in the region since 2009, while rival extremist faction ISWAP has further worsened insecurity across the Lake Chad basin.

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