Goz Beïda

Goz Beïda
Goz Beïda

Location in Chad (Sila region highlighted)

Coordinates: 12°13′25″N 21°24′52″E / 12.22361°N 21.41444°ECoordinates: 12°13′25″N 21°24′52″E / 12.22361°N 21.41444°E
Country  Chad
Region Sila (Dar Sila)
Department Kimiti
Sub-Prefecture Goz Beïda
Time zone +1

Goz Beïda is the main town (French: chef-lieu) of the Kimita department and the Sila (or Dar Sila) region in southeastern Chad.

Prior to 2008, Goz Beïda was part of the Ouaddaï Region's former Sila Department.

Goz Beïda is 70 kilometres (43 mi) from Chad's eastern border with Sudan's western Darfur Region.[1] Thousands of refugees from Sudan live in Goz Beïda.[2] The town has been seriously affected by the conflict in Darfur, which has spilled over into the surrounding area.[2]

The town is served by Goz Beïda Airport.

Attack

October 2006

On 22 October 2006, the main unified Chadian rebel group, the Union of Forces for Democracy attacked the town. Conflicting reports initially surfaced as to whether the town was taken by the Union repulsed by the government troops.[3] However, it was later confirmed that the town was taken by the Union, as were several other Chadian cities.[4]

June 2008

On 14 June 2008 Chadian rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked Goz Beïda, injuring at least 25 people.[1] The rebels and the Chadian army were involved in a firefight; Irish Army troops, part of the European Union Force, were fired at, but none were injured.[2] A rebel group, the National Alliance, claim to control the town.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 O'Reilly, Finbarr; Fletcher, Pascal; Lovell, Jeremy (2008-06-14). "Chad rebels attack town, EU troops come under fire". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Pogatchnik, Shawn; Roux, Cecile (2008-06-14). "Rebels attack eastern Chadian town, aid worker says". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  3. "Rebels attack eastern Chad town". BBC News. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  4. "Army alert to counter Chad rebels". BBC News. 2006-10-24. Retrieved 2008-06-15.

External links