Rebels move on presidential palace in Chad

Hundreds of rebels penetrated the capital of Chad today, clashing with government troops and moving on the presidential palace after a three-day advance across the Central African nation, officials and witnesses said. Looting, gunfire and explosions were reported.

Colonel Thierry Burkhard, a French military spokesman, said groups of rebels gathered outside the capital, N’Djamena, overnight before 1,000-1,500 fighters entered early this morning and spread through the city.