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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Africa Crushes Comoros Coup

20th time unlucky for Indian Ocean rebels

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(Newser) – The latest renegades to seize power in the Comoros Islands have been defeated, reports the Independent. Government and African Union troops regained control in an amphibious assault at sunrise yesterday. The island nation in the Indian Ocean has been rocked by more than 20 coups or coup attempts, many involving foreign mercenaries, since it gained independence from France in 1975.

The troops encountered some resistance but quickly captured the airport and major towns and were warmly greeted by residents, who had been living under the rule of a renegade colonel who declared himself the winner of disputed elections last year. The rebel leader was nowhere to be found yesterday. It was rumored he had escaped to sea in a canoe, disguised in women's clothing.

Residents of Anjouan cheer arriving Tanzanian African Union troops and Comoros Union soldiers after they landed from the sea in Anjouan, Comoros, and took control of the port and surrounding areas.
Residents of Anjouan cheer arriving Tanzanian African Union troops and Comoros Union soldiers after they landed from the sea in Anjouan, Comoros, and took control of the port and surrounding areas.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Residents of Anjouan are seen as National Army of Development (AND) troops drive down a street, shortly after taking control of the port and surrounding areas, after arriving by sea in Anjouan.
Residents of Anjouan are seen as National Army of Development (AND) troops drive down a street, shortly after taking control of the port and surrounding areas, after arriving by sea in Anjouan.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers try to unjam a heavy machine gun as they push towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers try to unjam a heavy machine gun as they push towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
A Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldier jubilates as he and others advance towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.
A Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldier jubilates as he and others advance towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers take a break in the shade of a boat after fighting a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers take a break in the shade of a boat after fighting a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers, backed by Tanzanian African Union (AU) troops, fire machine guns towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.
Comoros National Army of Development (AND) soldiers, backed by Tanzanian African Union (AU) troops, fire machine guns towards a small pocket of resistance in Anjouan, Comoros,Tuesday March 25 2008.   (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Comoros takes control of Anjouan   (france24english (YouTube))

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Nwambe
Jun 29, 09 10:18 PM CDT
Oh good Lord... Escaped to sea... in a canoe? Dressed in women's clothing? This is not a dictator, this is a rank amateur. Reply
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