Heavy fighting spreads

Ivory CoAst: Armed opponents of Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo advanced through Abidjan Monday as heavy fighting spread to new parts of the economic capital, striking fear into residents.

Forces loyal to internationally recognized President Alassane Ouattara moved south through the city from their powerbase in the northern suburbs, meeting fierce resistance from Gbagbo loyalists.

Violence has escalated to new heights in Abidjan as the once booming west African country hurtles towards civil war over the disputed November election, a conflict that has already killed some 400, according to the United Nations.

State television controlled by Gbagbo announced late Monday that "major decisions" would be taken in the coming hours after a meeting between Gbagbo and his generals. Life in the normally buzzing city ground to a halt Monday as shots from heavy weapons and machine guns rang out.

AFP