PARIS (AFP) — The French armed forces delivered ammunition to the Chadian army to help it repel a rebel assault against President Idriss Deby Itno, a French defence ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
"French forces took part in the delivery of ammunition destined for the Chadian forces" during a rebel assault on the capital Ndjamena earlier this month, spokesman Laurent Teisseire told a press conference.
He refused to specify what type or quantity of ammunition was involved, or from where it was delivered.
The spokesman also said it was possible that Libyan aircraft had delivered ammunition to the Chadian army, noting that several aircraft had touched down at Ndjamena airport to evacuate Libyan nationals.
France, the former colonial power which has 1,450 troops plus Mirage jet fighters in Chad, has said it provided Deby with logistical and intelligence support -- but no direct military assistance -- to fight off the rebel attack.
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