Chad has shut its eastern border with Sudan after fresh violence connected to Sudan’s civil war killed five Chadian soldiers, according to Reuters. The violence erupted on Saturday in the border town of Tine. Fighting broke out between Sudan’s army-aligned militia and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A Chadian official said the clashes killed five soldiers and three civilians. Twelve others suffered injuries. A border guard officer confirmed the deaths of the soldiers. He said authorities need stronger security measures to protect civilians in the area.

Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023. Since then, fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF has repeatedly spilled across the border into Chad. These incidents have caused casualties and property damage inside Chadian territory.

Government Deploys Troops, Closes Border

Following the latest violence, Chad sent additional troops to the eastern region. The government announced that it would keep the border closed until further notice. Officials said repeated incursions linked to the Sudan conflict forced the decision.

Authorities explained that the closure aims to stop the violence from spreading further. They said the government wants to protect citizens and refugees while preserving national stability and territorial integrity.

Neither Sudan’s army nor the RSF immediately responded to the incident.

Growing Risk of Regional Spillover

The latest deaths follow earlier cross-border incidents. Last year, a drone strike killed two Chadian soldiers, though officials did not clearly identify who carried out the attack.

A regional analyst warned that Chad now appears increasingly entangled in Sudan’s internal conflict. The continued instability along the border raises concerns about wider regional consequences if the fighting intensifies.