Rebels invade Chad capital

February 2, 2008

A rebel uprising in Chad was being quashed by government troops Saturday amid reports that at least 1,000 rebels had entered the city and had broken in to the presidential palace.

Chad's ambassador to Ethiopia said the capital had not fallen and that President Idriss Deby was "fine" in his palace according to the AP.

The sources also said the exact whereabouts of President Idriss Deby remained a mystery with some reports having the country's leader fleeing the area and others claiming he remains safe under heavy guard.

Rebel spokesman Abakar Tollimi told AFP news agency that the rebels controlled the city, although there were some "pockets of resistance".

Heavy fighting was reported around the presidential palace, the defense ministry and the official radio station building as rebels streamed into the capital from several directions.

Security sources in N'Djamena said at least 1,000 rebels troops were in the city.

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