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17/06/2008
Defence Minister Says Chad Attack Was Mistake
The Irish defence Minister has said that an attack by Chadian rebels on Irish forces in the war-torn country could have been "a mistake".
Speaking as he arrived in Chad's capital N'Djamena, Minister Willie O'Dea said he believed the attack on Saturday was a "knee-jerk" reaction by rebels, and the shooting was a mistake.
He believed that there was a lot of chaos and confusion in the area around Goz Beida following the confrontation with Chadian government forces, and firing shots at the Irish might have been an instant reaction when they encountered the Irish armoured cars, and added that the skirmish was not as serious as first reported. There were no indications of any injuries from the altercation.
On Tuesday, Mr O'Dea will fly into Abeche, where the local Eufor headquarters are based, and then spend time with members of the 400-strong Irish contingent at their base, Camp Ciara, in Goz Beida.
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour.
Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan. The region also has camps for 187,000 Chadians displaced by other fighting.
Chad has suffered from Darfurs five-year-old conflict, just across the border with the EU deploying 3,700 troops, also including 2,200 French soldiers, to help protect Sudanese refugees and Chadians hit by the conflict.
Camp Ciara is home to 390 soldiers from Ireland's 97th Infantry Battalion and 60 Dutch Marines with many of the troops only arriving there 12 days ago.
(DW)
Speaking as he arrived in Chad's capital N'Djamena, Minister Willie O'Dea said he believed the attack on Saturday was a "knee-jerk" reaction by rebels, and the shooting was a mistake.
He believed that there was a lot of chaos and confusion in the area around Goz Beida following the confrontation with Chadian government forces, and firing shots at the Irish might have been an instant reaction when they encountered the Irish armoured cars, and added that the skirmish was not as serious as first reported. There were no indications of any injuries from the altercation.
On Tuesday, Mr O'Dea will fly into Abeche, where the local Eufor headquarters are based, and then spend time with members of the 400-strong Irish contingent at their base, Camp Ciara, in Goz Beida.
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour.
Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan. The region also has camps for 187,000 Chadians displaced by other fighting.
Chad has suffered from Darfurs five-year-old conflict, just across the border with the EU deploying 3,700 troops, also including 2,200 French soldiers, to help protect Sudanese refugees and Chadians hit by the conflict.
Camp Ciara is home to 390 soldiers from Ireland's 97th Infantry Battalion and 60 Dutch Marines with many of the troops only arriving there 12 days ago.
(DW)
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16 June 2008
Irish soldiers in hour-long firefight with Chad rebels
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour, but it was not clear if there were casualties. Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan.
Irish soldiers in hour-long firefight with Chad rebels
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour, but it was not clear if there were casualties. Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan.
19 May 2008
Over 160 Irish Troops Land In Chad
More than 160 Irish Troops have been deployed in Chad as part of an EU peacekeeping mission. The mission has been described a one of the most challenging and dangerous missions facing the Irish troops as they face protecting over 400,000 Darfur refugees in 50 degree temperatures.
Over 160 Irish Troops Land In Chad
More than 160 Irish Troops have been deployed in Chad as part of an EU peacekeeping mission. The mission has been described a one of the most challenging and dangerous missions facing the Irish troops as they face protecting over 400,000 Darfur refugees in 50 degree temperatures.
27 August 2008
Chad Violence Set To Grow On End Of Rains
The imminent end of Chad's annual rainy season is expected to mark an elevation in the intensity of fighting involving Ireland's troops in the troubled African state.
Chad Violence Set To Grow On End Of Rains
The imminent end of Chad's annual rainy season is expected to mark an elevation in the intensity of fighting involving Ireland's troops in the troubled African state.
19 June 2008
UN Criticises Irish Troops In Chad
The office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) has criticised Irish troops in Chad after a raid on their offices by rebels. A spokeswoman for the UNCHR said the she accepted Irish forces where serving in Chad on a basis of neutrality, but is reported to have argued they should have stepped in.
UN Criticises Irish Troops In Chad
The office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) has criticised Irish troops in Chad after a raid on their offices by rebels. A spokeswoman for the UNCHR said the she accepted Irish forces where serving in Chad on a basis of neutrality, but is reported to have argued they should have stepped in.
13 August 2008
Irish Troops Chopper Into Chad
Irish troops presently undertaking operations in Chad have been sent three helicopters to help cope with monsoon conditions in the African state. The wet season in Chad has severely limited ground movement by all sides and the choppers are seen as vital for the force to fulfil its mission.
Irish Troops Chopper Into Chad
Irish troops presently undertaking operations in Chad have been sent three helicopters to help cope with monsoon conditions in the African state. The wet season in Chad has severely limited ground movement by all sides and the choppers are seen as vital for the force to fulfil its mission.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
