Ivory coast rebels clash with French troops
Rebels clashed with French forces in war-torn Ivory Coast today, firing mortars at positions held by the elite soldiers of the former colonial master.
“We faced attacks by rebels on foot on two roads,” said Major Frederic Thomazo. “We have no details of casualties at the moment.”
The attacks took place near Duekoue, a strategic town situated at the junction of two main roads leading to the central city of Daloa to the east and south to the coastal port of San Pedro.
Rebels have clashed several times there with French troops, sent to protect French citizens and other foreigners in the rich cocoa and coffee producing West. The French are dug in around the town, manning checkpoints with anti-tank missiles and rocket launchers.
The attacks come just two days after French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin visited Ivory Coast and won promises from the government and main northern rebel movement that they would respect a shaky ceasefire and take part in peace talks in Paris next week.
But two other rebel factions operating in the West have not agreed any truce and did not meet the French minister during his whirlwind trip.
