Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno confirmed recent airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in response to a deadly assault that killed around 40 soldiers. Leading the operation personally, Déby emphasized the importance of restoring security and protecting civilians in the Lake Chad region, an area plagued by jihadist violence since Boko Haram’s uprising began in 2009. The multinational force, established in 2015 to combat the regional threat, has struggled to contain the insurgency. Déby criticized the lack of support from neighboring countries amid ongoing territorial battles.