Abidjan: Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the country’s internationally recognised president, have reportedly captured ruler Laurent Gbagbo’s residence. A spokesman for Ouattara, Patrick Achi, told media it was not yet clear whether Gbagbo had been inside.
Heavy weapons fire could be heard again early on Tuesday, reports say.
On Monday, UN and French helicopters attacked targets near the presidential residence.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the attacks were ordered to defend civilians and were not a declaration of war on Gbagbo.
He said Gbagbo’s forces had stepped up the use of mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine-guns against civilians.
Millions of civilians have been trapped by five days of fighting in the city, where Gbagbo is refusing to leave office despite UN-approved results saying Ouattara won November’s presidential election.
Forces loyal to Ouattara began a dramatic military offensive last week, sweeping in from the north and west.
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