US diplomats told to flee Chad as rebels close in on capital

The US State Department ordered all non-essential diplomats and staff to leave its embassy in Chad because of the possibility of insurgent attacks on the capital N’Djamena.

Families of Americans stationed there were also told to leave because militants appeared to be advancing.

“Armed non-governmental groups in northern Chad have moved south and appear to be heading towards N’Djamena,” the State Department said in a travel alert. “Due to their growing proximity to N’Djamena, and the possibility for violence in the city, non-essential US government employees have been ordered to leave Chad by commercial airline.”

Britain urged its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.

Chad’s army said it destroyed a column of rebels who attacked the country on April 11, the day of the presidential election.

Members of the Force for Change and Concord in Chad rebel group, which is based in Libya, said they captured garrisons near Chad’s northern borders with Niger and Libya “without resistance”.

Chadian soldiers were searching for the last of the rebels, army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna said.

Communications Minister Cherif Mahamat Zene said: “The adventure of the mercenaries from Libya has ended, as announced. Congratulations to our valiant defence and security forces.”

On Saturday, an AFP journalist said military vehicles continued to drive towards the fighting.