Loyal Chad troops launch first counterattack

The government of Chadian President Hissein Habre launched its first counterattack, informed sources said. They said loyal troops went into action on two fronts around Abeche and Oum Chalouba, the northeastern town captured by the Libyan-backed forces of Goukhouni Woddei last week. The move was aimed at cutting rebel supply lines to the key eastern city of Abeche, the sources said.

The government, apparently stunned by the speed of Woddei's advance, has not confirmed the fall of Abeche. But French journalists and doctors in Abeche reported the rebels were in control.