Chad bans burqas; launches counterattack on Boko Haram

N'DJAMENA, Chad, June 18 (UPI) -- Following a suicide bombing attack earlier this week, Chad launched helicopter air strikes against at least six Boko Haram bases in neighboring Nigeria and banned people from wearing some traditional Muslim garments.

The airstrikes caused "human and material damage," Chad's military announced in a statement.

Chad formed a coalition with Benin, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon to fight Boko Haram, which carried out an attack on the police headquarters and a police training facility in Chad's capital N'Djamena, on Monday. At least 27 people, including the four attackers, died.

At least five suspects have been arrested in connection to the attack.

Chad's government also banned people from wearing and selling head-to-toe, full-face veils, such as burqas, a traditional Muslim attire. People selling the clothing items can be arrested and the clothes will be confiscated and burned.

Prime Minister Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet, who met religious leaders on the matter, announced the garment ban.

Chad is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, according to the United Nations Human Development Index -- ranking 184th out of 198, but it's army is regarded as dependable and battle-tested, effectively fighting al-Qaida affiliated groups in Mali in 2013.