Soldiers of the Chadian army are driven in a pickup near Iriba in northern Chad, March 2009. Chad's government have claimed a decisive victory against rebel forces after a fierce desert battle which killed scores, saying it will take years for them to recover. (AFP/File/Philippe Huguen)From The Daily Star:
NDJAMENA: Chad government forces fought desert battles Friday against rebels mounting a new offensive against President Idriss Deby with more than 150 reported dead in two days of conflict. The fighting concentrated around the town of Am-Dam has raised concerns among UN agencies and aid groups caring for about 450,000 refugees from Sudan and Central African Republic in camps in eastern Chad.
The UN Security Council is to meet Friday to discuss the fighting. France, which has troops in Chad, is also anxiously watching events.
The Chad Army has bombed the rebels from planes and helicopters since they crossed the Sudanese border on Monday. The Chad government accuses Sudan of backing the Union of Resistance Forces (UFR) rebels who say their aim is to take the capital Ndjamena.
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Update: Chad claims decisive victory over rebels -- AFP
My Comment: So much for the truce signing ceremony that was done last week.