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UN Fires at Gbagbo Forces

France gives military OK to take out his heavy weapons

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2011 3:45 PM CDT

(Newser) – The United Nations and France continued their crackdown in Ivory Coast today, with a UN helicopter firing on Laurent Gbagbo's forces and Nicolas Sarkozy giving his troops the OK to take out the entrenched strongman's heavy weapons, reports the AP. The UN said it acted to stop Gbagbo troops from firing on the Akouedo camp, with Ban Ki-moon citing "a heavy toll on the civilian population."

Forces loyal to Alassane Outtara, meanwhile, continued to pour into Abidjan by the thousands, and a deputy confirmed that their final military push against Gbagbo had begun by afternoon. Explosions appeared to come from the direction of the presidential palace and the mansion where Gbagbo is believed to be hiding; Abidjan is the last piece of the country largely controlled by Gbagbo.

Unidentified troops walk in the city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Monday, April 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Emanuel Ekra)

This handout photo provided by the French Defense Ministry on Sunday April 3, 2011, shows French soldiers patrolling in Port Bouet district of Abidjan, Saturday, April, 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Sch. Blanchet, ECPAD)

This handout photo provided by the French Defense Ministry on Sunday, April 3, 2011, shows French soldiers patrolling in Abidjan, Saturday, April, 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Sch. Blanchet, ECPAD)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

DontLikeYou

Apr 4, 2011 11:01 PM CDT

Fraud allegations were taken at face value by the UN when the Muslim Quattara made them. But, when the Christian, Gbagbo claimed that Quattara, the Muslim, was the one who committed voter fraud, well, the UN had already made up its mind that Quattara should rule the Ivory Coast. We should all be very afraid about the UN attacking the president of a sovereign nation. Military power is being used capriciously these days.

Non-deep-thinker

Apr 4, 2011 6:59 PM CDT

Any way we can get the CIA involved in this? Some of these people must need training in something.

Disillusioned

Apr 4, 2011 5:44 PM CDT

In honor of this giant quagmire and cluster pluk we crawl toward I not change my avatar All I need to make my night complete is a Bible Thumper to begin to quote Matthew 24:6-7 and my day will be done lol

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United Nations • France • Ivory Coast • Ban Ki-moon • Abidjan • Laurent Gbagbo • Alassane Ouattara

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Gbagbo Forces Regain Ground

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(NEWSER) - Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara launched what the local media is describing as a "final assault" on Laurent Gbagbo's bunker today, aiming to capture the rogue president. "We are going to his residence to fetch him and put an end to this comedy," a spokesman for Ouattara's side tells the Telegraph . "This charade must end because the country is collapsing." Gbagbo's side has described the assault as an "assassination attempt," but Ouattara forces say they've been explicitly ordered not to kill Gbagbo. More»

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UN Fires at Gbagbo Forces

France gives military OK to take out his heavy weapons

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

United Nations • France • Ivory Coast • Ban Ki-moon • Abidjan • Laurent Gbagbo • Alassane Ouattara

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Gbagbo Forces Regain Ground

Reports of his pending surrender greatly exaggerated

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'Final Assault' Launched on Gbagbo Bunker

They intend to 'fetch' him and 'bring him to justice'

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Ouattara ambassador says the strongman is negotiating surrender

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