An attack on Chad’s presidential palace left 18 assailants dead and six in custody, with one soldier killed and three wounded, state media reported Thursday.

Assault on N’Djamena comes amid visit by China FM, withdrawal of French troops, and instability caused by armed groups.

Gunmen attacked Chad's presidential complex in N'Djamena on Wednesday evening, resulting in 19 deaths, including one presidential guard. The situation is now under control, per government statements.

Chad said it averted a “destabilization attempt” after security forces repelled two dozen assailants that briefly entered the presidency where the West African nation’s military leader had received China’s foreign minister.

Chad's government has said security forces had thwarted an alleged effort to destabilise the country on Wednesday night, after a group of people attacked the presidential palace in the capital, N'Djamena.

An foiled attack on Chad's presidential compound overnight was carried out by a disorganised band of intoxicated men wielding knives and machetes who were easily neutralised by security forces, a government spokesperson said.

Chad: Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah on Thursday described a foiled attack on the presidential compound as an amateur operation that posed no real threat to the government. The national prosecutor said 18 attackers and two security guards were killed in the attack.