Militants attacked the residence of Chad's president, resulting in nearly 20 fatalities. (photos included)

Armed militants opened fire near the presidential residence in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, and assaulted the internal part of the complex. At least 19 fatalities have been reported due to the attack, but the country's Minister of Infrastructure, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, insists that the situation is "under control," reports France24.

The Chadian government stated that militants attempted to storm the presidential complex in N'Djamena. A confrontation ensued with government forces, resulting in the deaths of 18 attackers and one security personnel.

"The militants have 18 dead and six wounded, while we have one deceased and three injured, one of whom is in serious condition," said government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah.

All roads leading to the president's residence were lined with tanks, as reporters noted. Civilians were seen leaving the city center in cars and motorcycles, and armed police were observed in several districts.

Sources within security services indicate that members of the jihadist group "Boko Haram" attempted to seize the complex. The army is currently engaged in combat with them in the western Lake Chad region, which borders Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.

Notably, just hours before the outbreak of hostilities, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and other high-ranking officials.

Attempt to Capture the Chadian Presidential Residence: Reasons Behind the Incident

The gunfire in N'Djamena began less than two weeks after nationwide elections in Chad, which the government described as an important step toward ending military junta rule. The elections were marked by low turnout and opposition allegations of fraud.

Deby Itno came to power following the death of his father, Idriss Deby, who ruled with an "iron fist" for three decades.

The country's opposition has labeled his government as authoritarian and repressive. Chad is rich in oil but ranks fourth from the bottom on the UN Human Development Index.

To consolidate his power, Deby Itno made changes within the military. On the diplomatic front, he sought new strategic partnerships, including with Russia and Hungary.

At the same time, Chad severed defense and security agreements with Paris, deeming them "outdated." Approximately one thousand French troops are stationed in the country, and plans to withdraw them are currently underway.

It is worth noting that analysts from the Institute for the Study of War claimed last year that Chad could become Russia's next target. Putin discussed counter-terrorism efforts in the country with Idriss Deby.

Mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group previously released video footage at the border between Chad and the CAR. According to the mercenaries, the border between the African nations had been closed for over 10 years, but it has now been reopened thanks to the "Wagner men."