Troops bound for Chad face further delays

The deployment of Irish troops to Chad faced a further delay tonight after it emerged rebel troops were closing in on the capital forcing the closure of the local airport.

The EU-mandated mission, which will protect refugee camps, had been delayed by several weeks due to a lack of helicopters and medical facilities.

Some 50 members of the elite Army Rangers had been finally due to leave tonight for N’Djamena ahead of a full deployment in early March of 400 Irish soldiers.

A Defence Forces spokesman said there were eight troops already on the ground in Chad, five of whom are Rangers.

“They are safe and keeping Defence Forces HQ and the mission’s Operational HQ in Paris updated,” he said.

“At present there is no threat to the security of these personnel and they are in regular contact.

“This situation will continue to be monitored closely.

“Obviously we will take whatever action necessary to ensure safety of our personnel.”

European foreign ministers formally launched the European Force for Chad and the Republic of Central Africa in Brussels on Monday with a UN mandate to provide security for some 200,000 refugees in eastern Chad.

Troops from France, Sweden, Poland and Romania will make up the rest of the mission.

Lt Gen Pat Nash is to be overall commander of the 3,700-strong operation, based at Mont Valerien fort, outside Paris.