Assistant commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces Yasir al-Atta threatened to launch retaliatory attacks on Chad's airports for allegedly supporting the Rapid Support Forces rebels' attacks from Chadian territory.
"We will take retaliatory action against Mohamed Kaka [Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno], the president of Chad. And we warn him that the airports of N'Djamena and Amdjarass are legitimate targets for the Sudanese Armed Forces," media quoted the Sudanese commander as saying.
Meanwhile, Chad's Foreign Ministry noted in a statement that al-Atta's remarks could be interpreted as "a declaration of war if acted upon," adding that such rhetoric "risks leading to a dangerous escalation for the entire subregion."
"Chad reserves the legitimate right to respond firmly to any act of aggression against our country, regardless of its origin. If even a single square meter of Chadian territory is threatened, Chad will respond in accordance with the principles of international law," the statement read.