UPDATE ON CHADIAN REBEL OFFENSIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L NDJAMENA 001358 SIPDIS SIPDIS LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS. EUCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PREF MOPS CD SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CHADIAN REBEL OFFENSIVE REF: A. N'DJAMENA1356 ¶B. N'DJAMENA 1357 Classified By: Poloff John O'Leary. Reason 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (C) The Chadian National Army (ANT) reoccupied the regional capital of Abeche this morning, 11/26, after the rebel United Front for Democracy and Development (UFDD) pulled out at about 0400 hours local heading east with 180 vehicles in the direction of the Sudan border. The World Food Program warehouse in Abeche apparently was looted by local civilians according to numerous sources. ¶2. (C) A column of between 80 and 125 vehicles reportedly belonging to the rebel group SCUD has moved through the town of Ati (13,13 N; 18,20 E),heading west. ¶3. (U) The French Embassy has advised French citizens to remain off the strees after sundown this evening (approximately 1800 local) and has advised that there may be fighting in N'Djamena within 24 hours. ¶4. (U) The Embassy EAC met at 1300 hours local this afternoon (septel) and will reconvene at 1900 hours local to update information. ¶5. (C) Comment. At this time, it is unclear whether the SCUD is working in concert with the UFDD or is taking advantage of the UFDD's attack for its own purposes. End comment. WALL