Chad accuses Sudan of cross border attack as rebels advance

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

NDJAMENA (AFP) — Chad on Tuesday accused soldiers from neighbouring Sudan of attacking one of its frontier garrisons, as rebels opposed to Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno claimed further advances on the capital Njdamena.

"After despatching columns of mercenaries to Chad and failing to secure strategic areas, the Sudanese army took matters in its own hands today and attacked Ade, backed up by helicopters," a Chadian government statement said.

"By openly engaging their troops and air force, Khartoum has finally thrown off its mask," it said, warning that Chad's "response will be sterner than Sudan is expecting."

There was no independent confirmation of the border attack, and Sudan rejected the accusation.

Sudan's top military spokesman Othman...