Out of fear for a renewed offensive against the capital of N'Djamena, several battalions of infantry supported by dozens of armored personnel carriers and heavy artillery under the command of Brahim Mahamat Seid surrounded and closed in on Tamassi essentially allowing no alternative for escape to Sudan.

The initial assault on the town itself took place around midday after artillery bombardment of the rebels defensive line broke through.

Rebels took cover in the township building and a retired army base from artillery barrage which proved to be the most resistant.

Government then lines regrouped and offered an ultimatum to the rebel defenders in less than two hours or suffer consistent attacks.

A civilian made medical group tended to the wounded along with the deceased one who reported seeing a soldier's legs blown off another with his eyes gouged out and mutilated.