Fighting abates in Chad's capital

NDJAMENA, Chad, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Fighting between rebels and government forces in the capital of Chad was in a lull Tuesday, a diplomat told CNN.

The city was thrown into mayhem Sunday when rebels attempted to overthrow the government. However, Maitine Djoumbe, Chad's ambassador to the European Union, told CNN the streets were quiet Tuesday.

"The Chadian army is strong and is in control of everything," Djoumbe said. "There isn't yet a cease-fire because the rebels haven't yet decided whether or not to surrender."

The International Committee of the Red Cross said hundreds of injured people had been rounded up by volunteers during breaks in the fighting. The Red Cross said it had a surgical team operating in a hospital in Ndjamena and Doctors Without Borders also had a clinic set up south of the city.

Officials said as many as 20,000 people had been displaced, with many of them fleeing into neighboring Cameroon, the report said.