Thousands of civilians have been fleeing the Chadian capital, Ndjamena, taking advantage of a lull in the fighting between government forces and rebels who attacked the city on Saturday. Many have streamed across a bridge into neighbouring Cameroon. The Chadian government says it has routed rebel forces after two days of intense battle in the centre of Ndjamena.
The rebels say they've withdrawn to regroup and await reinforcements before launching a fresh assault, and they've urged civilians to leave the city.
Aid workers say hundreds of civilians have been wounded, and there are bodies lying in the streets.
Tuesday, 5.February.2008
