France has threatened to intervene in the battle between the Chad Government and rebels. The French are supporting the Chadian President Idriss Deby, who the rebels are trying to overthrow. French President Nicholas Sarkozy has warned the rebels that France would do its duty if they continue to threaten Chad's capital. There are 1,400 French troops in Chad, who have been helping evacuate foreigners from N'Djamena since insurgents invaded the city on the weekend. The rebels are intent on removing Chadian President Idriss Deby from power, however they have pulled back from the capital and claim to be regrouping ahead of another assault. They accuse the French military of fighting in support of the Chadian Government, a claim France denies. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians are continuing to flee Chad.