N'djamena: At least 33 people were killed in intercommunal violence in southwestern Chad over a disputed well, according to local media on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the intercommunal clash occurred late on Tuesday in Dibebe, approximately 15 kilometers from Ngoura in the southwestern Hadjer-Lamis province. The Tchadinfos news website reported that local sources cited the conflict was sparked by a dispute over a well claimed by two communities.

The provisional toll from the violence indicated that 18 people were killed and 20 others injured in the Hadjer-Lamis province. In the neighboring Barh El Gazal, 15 people lost their lives and an equal number were injured. Several witnesses noted that the dispute, which traces back to a 1967 land conflict, has kept tensions high despite the deployment of security forces.

In response to the situation, Chad's Territorial Administration Minister Limane Mahamat, Justice Minister Youssouf Tom, and Public Security Minister Ali Ahmat Akhabach visited the site. Their visit aimed to assess the situation and contribute to restoring calm in the affected areas.