State media in Chad say an attack on the presidential palace left 18 assailants dead and six in custody, with one soldier killed and three wounded.

Multiple gunshots were heard near the presidential palace in Chad's capital Wednesday evening, residents said, while the African country's foreign minister said soldiers were defending the president and the situation was under control.

Gunfire erupted Wednesday evening inside the presidency in Chad's capital N'Djamena, with tanks and a heavy security presence on the streets, according to AFP reporters on the scene and security