Chad’s capital N’Djamena remains calm, hours after armed men attacked the presidential palace, sparking a battle that killed 19 people.

Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah said a 24-member commando, who seemed intoxicated and disorganised, were only armed with knives and machetes, and attacked the guards of the presidential palace before being swiftly stopped.

Koulamallah, who is also the Foreign Minister, confirmed that Chadian President Mahamat IdrissDeby Itno was inside the presidential palace at the time of the attack, but 18 of the assailants were killed and six wounded, while a presidential guard was also been killed and three others wounded.

Chad’s public prosecutor said Investigations have been launched to identify all instigators and accomplices in the attack which comes at a delicate time for Chad, haven recently scrapped a defencecooperation pact with longtime partner France, despite been ravaged by terrorist insurgencies.