Chad Deploys Troops to Central African Republic

Chad has sent 150 troops to the Central African Republic to help stabilize the northeastern part of the country and crack down on rebels. The Chadian contingent has been deployed in the CAR region of Paoua since the weekend in support of the CAR army to maintain order. The move comes as rebels threaten the mining town of Bria, with thousands of inhabitants having already escaped. The Chadian Prime Minister, Pascal Yoadimnadji, had announced plans to send military reinforcements to the CAR earlier last week.

Key Takeaways:

Chad has deployed 150 troops to the Central African Republic to support the CAR army in maintaining order and combating rebels.
The Chadian contingent has been stationed in the CAR region of Paoua, primarily to counter the rebel threat in the mining town of Bria.
Over 100 Chadian soldiers were already stationed in the CAR to help fight rebels before the deployment of the additional 150 troops.
The rebels have taken the town of Birao, 800 km northeast of the CAR capital Bangui, and are threatening the mining town of Bria, 600 km northeast of the capital.
Thousands of Bria's 45,000 inhabitants have already escaped due to the rebel advance.
The Chadian contingent is part of a multinational force established by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community to secure zones of conflict.

Statistics:

150 Chadian troops have been deployed to the Central African Republic.
Over 100 Chadian soldiers were already stationed in the CAR before the deployment of the additional 150 troops.
45,000 inhabitants live in Bria, with thousands having already escaped due to the rebel advance.
The town of Birao is 800 km northeast of the CAR capital Bangui.
The town of Bria is 600 km northeast of the CAR capital Bangui.

Sources:

Xinhua via COMTEX, Yaounde, 21 Nov 2006