Troops leave for Comoros assault

Five boats full of soldiers have left a port on the Comoros island of Moheli, a diplomat says, ahead of an operation to retake the island of Anjouan.

A group of 1,500 African Union troops is supporting the Comoros federal government in its dispute with renegade Anjouan leader Mohamed Bacar.

It refused to recognise the re-election of Mr Bacar in June 2007.

Anjouan is reportedly tense but calm. Luggage trolleys are on the airport's runway to prevent any aircraft landing.

The island of Moheli, is only about 50km from Anjouan.

Tanzanian and Sudanese forces are on board the boats, alongside Comoran soldiers.

Countdown

Civilian flights to Anjouan and Moheli have been suspended, by the federal government.

The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Comoros says the federal president Ahmed Sambi is expected to publically authorise the use of military force in a televised address this evening.

I am still determined to defend Anjouan

Anjouan leader Mohamed Bacar

AU troops took part in a beach-landing exercise on Sunday.

Each of the Comoros federation's three islands has its own president, but Mr Bacar's re-election was declared illegal by the central authorities.

In an interview on Thursday, he said he would not step down.

"I am still determined to defend Anjouan despite my concern that people are ready to come here and fire on the Anjouanese. But I am continuing with my preparations to defend Anjouan," he told AFP news agency.

He is estimated to have about 300 troops at his disposal.

There have been 19 coup attempts and several secessionist uprisings in the three-island archipelago since independence from France in 1975.