Chad: army and FNDJT rebels deliver contradictory assessments of fighting in Tibesti

Lull in the Wour sector in Tibesti province, after a week of fighting between the Chadian army and rebels from the Front de la Nation pour la démocratie et la justice, FNDJT. The army, which had amassed reinforcements in this area of the far north, launched its offensive at the end of May. Today, the two sides give contradictory assessments and a contradictory outcome

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A Chadian army soldier in training (illustration image) Sgt. Derek Hamilton (US Army) © / Creative Commons

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After seven days of clashes in the Tibesti massifs, it is "mission accomplished" according to the army. The enemy has been totally defeated, explains the Chadian Minister of Defense. He assures that only the rebel leader Allatchi Ali, alias Koukoula survived.

«

The situation is calm and under control. The enemy is already completely under control, explains General Daouad Yaya Brahim. We did real sweeps, we took all the vehicles and all the prisoners, except their leader who was able to escape on foot to Libya.

«

A final assessment Established by the army reports 23 rebels killed, other prisoners taken prisoner and war material seized, while acknowledging eight wounded in its ranks.

>> READ ALSO: Chad: clashes between the army and the rebels of the FNDJT in Tibesti

It is a completely different sound of bell that we hear on the side of the rebels of the Front of the Nation for Democracy and Justice, even if they admit to having suffered a military setback this Sunday. Youssouf Tolli is the deputy coordinator of the FNDJT.

«

Sometimes we lose, sometimes we win. On the 2nd and 3rd, we were the ones who defeated them. And on the 4th they beat (fighters) from our ranks on patrol and they will say that they razed the area. They are indeed in the Tibesti massifs. We are preparing ourselves for any inclinations on their part.

The FNDJT rebels give a toll of 15 soldiers killed, including two general officers in the ranks of the army. They reportedly lost five fighters while seven others were captured, but it is impossible to confirm one way or the other.

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