Battle of Adré

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Battle of Adré
Part of the War in Chad (2005–present)

Map of the border area with Adre
Date December 18, 2005
Location Adré
Result Chadian government victory
Belligerents
Rally for Democracy and Liberty (RDL) and Platform for Change, Unity, and Democracy (SCUD) Chadian army, loyalists
Casualties and losses
100-300 KIA (Chadian claim)
9 KIA (RDL claim)
5 KIA (Chadian claim)
70 KIA (RDL claim)

The Battle of Adré took place in Adré, Chad on December 18, 2005. The battle began when the Chadian rebel groups Rally for Democracy and Liberty (RDL) and Platform for Change, Unity, and Democracy (SCUD), allegedly backed by the government of Sudan, attacked the garrison in this city. However, Chadian loyalists, who had been forewarned by military intelligence of the attack, easily repulsed the attackers. Either seventy, one hundred, or three hundred rebels were killed, depending on reports. Governmental losses are unknown, but they lost at least one Russian-made helicopter in a collision with electric wires during the fighting, while another Mi-17 helicopter was heavily damaged by rebel fire which killed at least one crew member.[1]

On December 19, SCUD leader Yaya Dillo Djérou said, "A few of our troops have participated in the action in Adré, but it is being led by RDL. Yesterday we took control of the city."[2]

The figure of "one hundred rebels killed" was reported by most major news sources, while Reuters [1] reported 300 rebels and IRIN News reported 300 rebels, 5 soldiers, and 3 civilians.[3] "The [Chadian] government holds the Sudanese government wholly responsible for this morning's attack, mounted from its territory," said Chadian Communications Minister Hourmadji Moussa Doumgor.[4] The attack was the second in the region in three days,[5] but Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman Jamal Mohammed Ibrahim denied any Sudanese involvement, saying, "We are not for any escalation with Chad. We technically deny involvement in Chadian internal affairs." This attack was the final straw that led to Chad's "state of belligerency" declaration and the alleged deployment of the Chadian airforce into Sudanese airspace, which the Chadian government denies.[citation needed]

RDL said they lost nine men and that more than 70 government troops were killed. They also say they destroyed two helicopters and several tanks and other vehicles.[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ La localité d'Adré bien tenue par l'armée tchadienne, PANA Press (Jeuneafrique.com), December 22, 2005 (French).
  2. ^ Chad claims killing 300 rebels, Al Jazeera, December 20, 2005.
  3. ^ Army chases rebels into neighbouring Sudan, IRIN, December 20, 2005.
  4. ^ Government blames Sudan after border attack, IRIN, December 19, 2005.
  5. ^ Chad fightback 'kills 300 rebels', BBC News Online, December 20, 2005.