Fresh fighting broke out in eastern Chad, reports said Friday, days after President Idriss Deby declared a state of emergency in the volatile region, according to DPA. The death toll in fierce fighting Thursday between former rebels and the military was unknown, French broadcaster RFI reported, but the battle lasted about one hour near the town of Goz Beida. RFI said the clashes began as the military attempted to disarm former rebels of the United Front for Democratic Change (FUC), which are set to integrate into the national army - a process which has been slow and difficult to complete. The FUC said it was attacked by the army. The government confirmed the incident, but without giving details.
