Chad's security forces killed 63 disciples of a Muslim spiritual leader in a weekend assault against his base.
It came after he threatened to launch a holy war, Security Minister Ahmat Mahamat Bachir said today.
The government said yesterday that 12 extremists and two members of the security forces were killed in Sunday's operation at Kouno, 300km southeast of N'Djamena.
Giving an updated toll today, Mr Bachir said 63 followers of Ahmat Ismael Bichara and four members of the security forces died in the operation.
