Irish peacekeepers in Chad have been involved in an incident involving armed rebels.
The incident happened yesterday when Irish troops based in Goz Beida were asked by the United Nations Commission for Refugees to evacuate volunteer workers from NGO compounds in Kerfi, 50km from the Irish base.
The compounds were said to be under attack from about ten armed rebels.
The Irish commander sent a quick reaction force reinforced by 85 troops and 16 armed personnel carriers. 24 NGO personnel were then evacuated to the Irish camp at Goz Beida.
In a separate action, Chadian forces intercepted the rebels as they withdrew from Kerfi. Two local people were killed and three injured.
The injured were evacuated by the Irish troops to Goz Beida for medical attention.
The situation has since calmed significantly and Irish troops remain in situ.
Last month, Irish troops were fired on during a gun battle between the Chadian army and anti-government forces.
