France strikes rebel base

Press, 18 February 1986, Page 6

France strikes rebel base

NZPA-Reuter London Conflict between France and Libya in the central African State of Chad flared anew yesterday with a French air strike against the rebelheld north prompting Libyan charges of French “barbarism." The French Defence Minister, Mr Paul Quiles, said Jaguar aircraft bombarded and rendered useless the main air base in northern Chad used for a rebel offensive which had included Libyan soldiers. Libya, in an official statement released by the Information Ministry, accused France of attacking a civilian airport. The airport was used to transport food and medical supplies to famine victims, it said. France described its

target as Ouadi Doum airport north of Faya Largeau, and said it was a key supply point for Li-byan-backed desert fighters led. by Goukouni Oueddel.

The ' French strike followed an appeal from Chad’s President Mr Hissene Habre, for military help to stem a rebel advance, the latest fighting in a spasmodic 20-year war.

It was the first time that France had taken direct military action in its former colony since French soldiers withdrew from Chad in November, 1984, under an agreement struck with Libya. In the Chadian capital of N’Djamena, Mr Habre welcomed the French raid, saying it showed

France was now solidly behind his Government The war front was now quiet he said.

Last week the rebels struck across the red line dividing the two sides at the 16th parallel and at-; tacked the Government position at Ziguey, 300 km north of N’Djamena. >

Mr Habre did not comment on reports that French soldiers yesterday landed at N’Djamena Airport following the arrival of fresh French military equipment in Chad on Sunday. Libya, which according to Western Intelligence reports has an estimated 7000 troops backing the rebels of former President Goukouni, has denied any involvement in the latest fighting.