Chad guerrillas report big clash

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33712, 9 December 1974, Page 19

Chad guerrillas report big clash

(N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright' t)

ALGIERS, December 8.

The national Front for the Liberation of Chad (Frolinat) says its forces have killed 18 Frenchmen and more than 150 Chad Government soldiers in clashes in eastern Chad.

They also shot down five aircraft, including three MiGs, during the fighting six weeks ago, according to a communique issued in Algiers. In Paris, a French Defence Ministry spokesman would not comment on the claim. According to latest reports, about 1300 French soldiers are stationed in Chad, and 400 officers acting as advisers to the Chad Army. The Frolinat communique said fighting was continuing between its forces and about 6000 Government troops throughout three regions 500

miles east; of N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.

The clashes began when about 30'30 Chad soldiers, aided by French military advisers and supported by 15 French bombers, attacked a Frolinat base in the Zagaoua region on October 25, the communique said. On the same day, Government forces were reinforced by 3000 n.ien and more than a dozen aircraft. Frolinat casualties totalled 18 dead and 20 wounded. Frolinat launched counter-attacks against army camps on November 6 and 11, according to the communique.