Eyewitness: The battle for Abeche

NGO worker Georgina Kasineanu describes the situation in the Chadian town of Abeche, about 700km (440 miles) east of N'Djamena, as it is captured by rebel forces opposed to the rule of President Idriss Deby.

The Chadian government on Sunday announced that it had regained control of Abeche from the rebels.

Georgiana Kasineanu said soldiers were being treated in hospital

The bombing started at 0615 local time. Initially it was miles away from where we were.

But it was sudden and loud.

It only took a few minutes for the first radio announcement for all NGOs to report back to their bases. We jumped in our cars and headed back.

Since it was Saturday early morning, there was not too much movement on the streets. Even the French military base was just waking up to the events.

For some hours the battle just got closer and closer.

Everybody got busy with preparations for either evacuation or to bunker inside their compounds.

At one point we were notified by radio that the rebel groups occupied the town and that we should all stay put until further notice.

Calmer afternoon

Now it is calm. I don't feel any movement outside, as I did earlier. We heard vehicles going up and down and had no idea if they were rebel or military vehicles.

On the ground things are very confusing.

For some hours the battle got closer and closer

Some of our fellow workers mentioned earlier that the Chadian military has regained control over city. We still hear gunfire in the background.

I assume somewhere, someone is holding some discussions with the rebel groups as it is calmer than early morning.

What I can say for sure is that the humanitarian community has decided to suspend all movements and activities until further notice.

I know through my contacts that some of the injured Chad military have been brought to the hospital and some NGO workers are there to help.