Chad: where does the arsenal of Fact rebels come from?
In this image released by the Chadian army on April 18, suspected rebels belonging to the Fact are taken prisoner following clashes with soldiers in Nyze, Kanem, on April 17, 2021. AFP - -
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The army claims to have put "
out of state to harm
" the rebellion of the Fact after heavy fighting in the area of Nokou, north of Mao, in the province of Kanem.
In a statement, the rebel group denounces Barkhane's interference in what they call "Chadian-Chadian" affairs.
A week ago, the Fact claimed to have shot down an MI combat helicopter from the Chadian army that had come to bomb their positions.
Claims denied by the Chadian army, which speaks of a breakdown.
But which revive the debate on the arsenal of the rebels.
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With our correspondent in Ndjamena
,
Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula
In the images captured by the authorities, 23-millimeter long-range anti-aircraft and anti-tank DCA guns, 120-millimeter mortars ... The most powerful calibers on the market.
But also 14.7 millimeter machine guns and hundreds of boxes of ammunition.
All transported by brand new pick-ups and wide-body carriers.
This is what the Chadian army would have discovered in part after the
fighting that pitted it against the rebels of the Fact
in North Kanem.
Proudly displayed spoils of war.
But behind the scenes, security sources say that the army was surprised by the quality and quantity of this equipment of Russian, Egyptian or Emirati origin ...
The Fact would have acquired this arsenal in southern Libya after agreements made with Marshal Haftar.
A Chadian security source claims that the private Russian company Wagner trained them in the handling of these sophisticated weapons.
"
Lies,
" retorts the spokesperson for the Fact, denying any connection with Wagner.
He asserts that Haftar did give them weapons, but that it was the fighting against the Daesh jihadists and the contributions of Chadians that enabled the Fact rebels to equip themselves.
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