Irish troops to deploy in Chad 'at earliest opportunity'

A decision in regard to the deployment of Irish troops to Chad will be taken on the basis of events over the coming 72 hours, according to the Defence Forces.

The situation surrounding the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, has continued to develop overnight and this morning. The airport remains closed for the deployment of EU forces.

"Irish troops will deploy at the earliest opportunity and contingency plans for this deployment are in place," said a Defence Forces statement.

"The earliest opportunity is expected to be next Wednesday, February 6.

"Staffs in Defence Forces HQ remain in regular contact with EU Operational HQ in Paris and the eight Defence Forces personnel already deployed in N’Djamena and Abeche who are safe and well.

"Events to date will not require any delay in our main deployment in the coming months."