The Chadian army says it killed at least 300 rebel fighters who attacked the northern part of the country eight days ago, adding that it lost five soldiers in the incursion.

The heavily armed rebels who are opposed to President IDRIS DEBY launched the raid from their base in neighbouring Libya on April 11, the day Chad held its presidential election.

On Saturday, the US embassy in the capital ordered its non-essential staff to leave the country, citing the possibility of violence in the city, with the UK also recommending that its nationals leave the country as soon as possible.

However, Chadian Foreign Minister AMINE ABBA SIDICK called on diplomatic missions for calm, saying the situation was under control.