Several dead in attack on Chad's national security agency

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - An attack on Chad's National State Security Agency claimed several lives in the capital N'Djamena on Wednesday, the country's government announced.

The situation has been brought "totally under control," the perpetrators arrested, according to a statement by Communication Minister Abderaman Koullamalah, who said an investigation had been launched after the attack was foiled.

Authorities blamed the opposition Socialist Party Without Borders for the attack, according to the statement.

"The perpetrators of this act have been arrested or are being sought and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law," it added.

Urging calm, Koullamalah said the exact death toll would be announced at a later date.

Chad's National Election Management Agency said Tuesday that the country would be holding a presidential election on May 6, marking a transition to civilian rule.

Authorities have warned that disrupting the ongoing democratic process in the country would be met with prosecution.