(Updated- Thanks Wanumba)
Rebel forces say they have captured Laurent Gbagbo’s residence in the Ivory Coast.
Muslim forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara said they had taken the building after a day of fierce combat.
Here is what we know about the situation in the Ivory Coast:
— Rebels loyal to Muslim opposition leader Quattara from the north have battled their way to the main city, Abidjan. There are constant reports of savage attacks on villages by rebels armed with guns and machetes.
— Thousands of refugees from the Ivory Coast in Liberia are reporting that the the pro-Quattara Muslim rebels are killing people and raping women. They are killing “everyone and anyone.” There are even rumors of cannibalism.
— At least 1,000 Christians were slaughtered last week at the Salesian Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus mission in Duekoue, Ivory Coast by Muslim troops loyal to Alassane Ouattara as they worked their way to Abidjan.
— Hundreds of thousands of refugees are fleeing their homes and escaping to neighboring countries.
— The United Nations and French forces opened fire with attack helicopters Monday on the arsenal of this country’s entrenched ruler, as columns of foot soldiers finally pierced the city limit and surrounded the strongman’s home. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the attacks were ordered to defend civilians and were not a declaration of war on Mr Gbagbo.
The fighters aiming to topple strongman Laurent Gbagbo had succeeded in taking nearly the entire countryside in just three days last week, but they faltered once they reached the country’s largest city, where the presidential palace and residence are located.
This is not going to end anytime soon. Things will only get worse.
This is hell.
