 The fall of Ouadi Doum was a severe setback for Libya . Deserted by most of their Chadian allies , Libyan forces found themselves isolated in foreign territory , and the loss of the main Libyan air base in Chad prevented Libya from providing close air cover to its troops . In general , the offensive against FANT had exposed the vulnerability of Libya 's heavy armor to a more mobile enemy . On Gaddafi 's orders , a general withdrawal was undertaken from Borkou @-@ Ennedi @-@ Tibesti Prefecture , beginning with Faya @-@ Largeau . The town had served as the main Libyan base during the preceding four years , but was in danger of being encircled . Its garrison of 3 @,@ 000 men , together with the survivors of Ouadi Doum , retired toward the Libyan base at <unk> @-@ as @-@ Sarra , north of the Chadian border . In an attempt to reduce the damage inflicted to his international standing , Gaddafi announced that Libya had won the confrontation , and was now leaving Chad so that the opposition could play its part in fighting Habré . 
