Sudan accused of meddling in Chad

N'DJAMENA, Chad, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The United States Monday asked Sudan to stay out of neighboring Chad's affairs and a Chadian general threatened to attack Sudan if it aids rebel forces.

The U.N. Security Council issued a statement condemning the rebel attacks and urged international intervention to put a stop to the violence wracking the African nation, The New York Times reported.

"The Security Council strongly condemns these attacks and all attempts at destabilization by force," the statement said.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters the United States expressed its concern that Sudan may be helping rebels topple the government of President Idriss Deby, the Voice of America reported.

"We have gone in at very high levels of the Sudanese government to say that if there is any support from the Sudanese government to these rebels that that should end immediately, and that any influence they might have with the rebels they should use in order to tell them to withdraw," said Sean McCormack.

One senior general threatened to attack Sudan in retaliation, The Independent reported, adding that Sudan denies involvement.

Rebel forces entered the capital during the weekend and pulled back Sunday after a counterattack, but said the retreat was intended to allow civilians to leave the city, the British newspaper said.

All non-essential U.S. embassy staff and families of U.S. officials in Chad have been evacuated, leaving four U.S. diplomats who are staying at the N'Djamena airport under protection of French troops.