French troops have taken over the airport in Ivory Coast’s major city, Abidjan, the AFP news agency reports. France is also sending an extra 300 soldiers to Ivory Coast, military spokesperson Thierry Burkhard told AFP.
Fighting has raged in Abidjan since Thursday night as military faithful to the UN-recognized president, Alassane Ouattara, are battling those of his rival, the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.
More than 1,500 foreigners are protecting in a French army camp.
Heavy artillery fire has been heard in Abidjan as the two sides fought for key sites counting the presidential palace, the headquarters of state TV and the Agban military base.
Four UN soldiers were dangerously wounded by Mr Gbagbo’s forces on Saturday.
Wounded soldiers faithful to Mr Ouattara were seen being rushed to a hospital outside the city, while confident-looking strengthening headed the other way.
Special Forces troops loyal to Mr Gbagbo fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a UN armored personnel carrier, dangerously wounding four peacekeepers carrying out a humanitarian mission, the UN said.
Fighting has raged in Abidjan since Thursday night as military faithful to the UN-recognized president, Alassane Ouattara, are battling those of his rival, the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.More than 1,500 foreigners are protecting in a French army camp.
Heavy artillery fire has been heard in Abidjan as the two sides fought for key sites counting the presidential palace, the headquarters of state TV and the Agban military base.
Four UN soldiers were dangerously wounded by Mr Gbagbo’s forces on Saturday.
Wounded soldiers faithful to Mr Ouattara were seen being rushed to a hospital outside the city, while confident-looking strengthening headed the other way.
Special Forces troops loyal to Mr Gbagbo fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a UN armored personnel carrier, dangerously wounding four peacekeepers carrying out a humanitarian mission, the UN said.
0 comments:
Post a Comment