2011-04-11 13:36:33

Fighting Continues in Ivory Coast


U.N. and French helicopters fired rockets on the presidential residence where incumbent strongman Laurent Gbagbo is holed-up. French and UN forces conducted operations on Monday in which they directly attacked the presidential compound in Abidjan. The strikes are in response to Gbagbo loyalist attacks on U.N. personnel, foreign diplomatic missions and civilians.

The spokesman for the UN mission in the Ivory Coast, Hamadoun Touré says Gbagbo’s use of heavy weapons had created an intolerable situation for the non-combatant population in the city

After a decade in power, Gbagbo lost an election to his rival, the internationally-recognized president-elect, Alassane Ouattars, following which he refused to leave power. After months of stalemate, Pro-Ouattara forces began an offensive late last month to install him in power, sweeping across the country in just days before meeting resistance in Abidjan.

Listen to Chris Altieri’s report: RealAudioMP3







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