Heavy clashes flare up in I. Coast

Mon Mar 7, 2011

Heavy fighting has erupted between security forces loyal to Ivory Coast's incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and supporters of president-elect Alassane Ouattara.

Clashes happened in the western town of Toulepleu on Sunday and New Forces, an ex-rebel group loyal to Ouattara, took the control of the town, AFP reported.

"There has been bitter fighting at Toulepleu. The New Forces have taken the town," a local politician affiliated with the government said.

Meanwhile, young supporters of Gbagbo have looted homes of officials close to Ouattara in the country's main city, Abidjan, "trying to create an atmosphere of terror," witnesses said.

Most officials supporting Ouattara have been living with him in the Gulf Hotel where they have been confined after results of the election were announced. They are not able to protect their homes.

The political standoff started following last November's presidential election. The UN has recognized Ouattara as the winner of the poll, but Gbagbo has since refused to step down.

The situation worsened last week when seven women were killed by security forces in peaceful protests against the president.

Gbagbo had repeatedly warned mounting pressure on him could push the country to the brink of civil war, causing more instability.

The UN says at least 400 people have been killed in the violence in the country and more than 70,000 have fled to neighboring Liberia.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168609.html.