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Goz-Beida, Chad: Rebels in eastern Chad on Saturday attacked a town where European Union troops were protecting civilian refugees, and Irish soldiers came under fire during the fighting, an Irish officer and aid workers said.
Irish troops stationed at the town of Goz-Beida defended themselves with brief "warning fire" from their armoured vehicles during a clash between Chad's army and a rebel column that attacked the town, an Irish army spokesman said.
The Irish troops were part of a European Union protection force (EUFOR) deployed in east Chad.
Medical workers said at least 24 people were hurt in the attack on the town, which came on the third day of what rebel forces say is an offensive aimed at trying to end President Idriss Deby's rule over landlocked, oil producing Chad.
It was believed to be the first time since their deployment that EUFOR troops had come under fire during fighting involving the rebels, who attacked the capital N'Djamena in February.
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