Chad’s government insisted the situation in the capital N’Djamena was stable after gunshots were heard near the presidential palace.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said in a video apparently recorded inside the palace complex that there had been a “small incident” but that “everything is calm.”
Sources close to the African state’s government said clashes took place between security forces and “terrorist elements”.
French news agency AFP quoted Koulamallah as saying that 18 attackers and a member of the security forces had been killed.
Following the incident, tanks were seen in the area and all roads leading to the palace were closed, the agency said.
In the video posted on Facebook, Koulamallah is seen surrounded by members of government forces.
“Nothing bad happened,” he said.
“We are here and we will defend our country at the cost of our blood. Be calm.
“This whole attempt at destabilization has been thwarted.”
He is then seen taking photos with the soldiers and raising his fist with them.
Koulamallah was quoted by AFP as saying the assault was launched by a commando of 24 men, adding that six of the attackers were injured.
Three other members of the government forces were also injured, he added.
The incident came just hours after a visit to the former French territory by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who met with President Mahamat Déby and other senior officials.
