At least 19 people were killed in Chad after armed fighters attempted to storm the presidential complex in N’Djamena.

Security forces killed 18 of the 24 attackers, and one soldier died in the clashes.

Chad’s government described the situation as under control, dismissing claims the attackers were rebels and suggesting they were likely intoxicated.

The incident occurred during a visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had just met President Mahamat Idriss Deby, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Chad recently ended defense agreements with France and is transitioning from military to civilian rule following a contested election marked by low turnout and fraud allegations.

Written by B.C. Begley