Russia slams as 'terrorist attack' assault on presidential palace in Chad

MOSCOW

Russian has slammed as a "terrorist attack" Wednesday's armed assault on the presidential palace in the Central African nation of Chad.

The Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it "strongly condemns" the attack on Chad's legitimate authorities in the capital N'Djamena.

"Security forces repelled the attack and, according to information received from the official authorities, the situation is currently under control. Moscow strongly condemns the terrorist attack directed against the legitimate leadership of the Republic of Chad," it said in a statement.

One government official was killed on Wednesday, along with at least 18 gunmen, and nine people wereinjured, when they tried to storm the presidential palace in Chad's capital.

The identities of the attackers have not been disclosed, and while some sources have speculated that the assault may have been carried out by the Boko Haram terrorist group, there has been no confirmation by officials.

Chad’s government has called the attack a “destabilization attempt.”