Reply #61: 'Hundreds killed' in Cote d'Ivoire violence

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'Hundreds killed' in Cote d'Ivoire violence

At least 800 people reported killed in one town alone, Red Cross says, as battle for commercial capital rages on.

Last Modified: 02 Apr 2011 06:06


At least 800 people have been reported killed in one town in Cote d'Ivoire, according to the Red Cross, as fierce fighting continues to grip the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the deaths reportedly took place during intercommunal violence in the western town of Duekoue on Tuesday.

Dorothea Krimitas, an ICRC spokeswoman, said on Saturday that the violence likely erupted the day after the town was taken by fighters loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the country's internationally recognised leader.

"This event is particularly shocking because of the magnitude and because of the extent of its brutality," Krimitas told Al Jazeera.

"We strongly condemn direct attacks against civilians and we would also like to take this opportunity to recall the obligations of all parties to the conflict to ensure in all circumstances the protection of the population on the territory they are controlling."

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/04/201141232021597365.html