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Chad has implemented a complete shutdown of its border with Sudan after a drone strike resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and left several others injured who were present at a funeral.

Dressed in a military uniform, President Idris Mahamat Déby held an urgent security meeting on Wednesday night, directing the armed forces to remain highly vigilant and respond to any additional attacks.

He characterized the assault on the border town of Tiné as “shocking and a clear act of aggression” toward Chad’s sovereignty.

He mentioned that it occurred even though there had been warnings directed at the two parties engaged in conflict in Sudan and a prior closure of the border.

Last month, Chad shut down its border with Sudan “for the time being” in an effort to prevent ongoing attacks by armed groups from Sudan.

It, however, permitted “special exemptions” on humanitarian grounds, subject to prior approval from the appropriate authorities.

Residents of Tiné stated that the individuals targeted in Wednesday’s attack were attendees, with one citing Reuters as mentioning they had assembled at a residence for a funeral gathering that included reciting passages from the Quran.

The assault faced criticism from various sources, including the National Assembly and members of the ruling party’s legislature.

“The government expresses profound sorrow in remembrance of the victims and offers its most heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families,” stated the government’s spokesperson.

The spokesperson stated that Chad has “enhanced the stance of its military and security forces” and is prepared to assert its rights within Sudanese territory “in full accordance with international law.”

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which oversees much of the western Darfur region adjacent to Chad, is believed to have been responsible for the attack, although it denies any participation and instead accuses Sudan’s military, which has not responded to the claim.

The government of Sudan has frequently alleged that Chad provides the RSF with arms and fighters, a claim that N’Djamena rejects.

Sudan has been affected by a civil conflict that began in April 2023 due to a brutal fight for power between its military and the RSF.

The continuous conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and forced over 13 million individuals to flee their homes, with almost a million of them relocating to Chad, as reported by the United Nations.

Chad has a 1,400km (870 miles) long border with Sudan that is open and frequently challenging to manage.

Its decision to retaliate against future attacks from Sudan has sparked concerns about a potential increase in violence in the area.