Photo: AP
A spokesman for the Ivory Coast's internationally recognized president says rebels loyal to Alassane Ouattara are moving toward the capital after taking control of two more cities.
The Associated Press said Wednesday rebels are now in control of the central towns of Bouafle and Sinfra.
The takeover follows reports of new fighting between pro-Ouattara fighters and soldiers loyal to embattled leader Laurent Gbagbo Wednesday, west of the capital, Yamoussoukro.
On Monday, the fighters supporting Ouattara captured Bondoukou and Abengourou in the east, the west-central town of Daloa and the western town of Duekoue.
The forces loyal to incumbent President Gbagbo are still holding Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan.
Most countries recognize Ouattara as the winner of a presidential election in November. But Gbagbo has refused to relinquish power.
The disputed election was meant to reunite Ivory Coast, nearly a decade after a brief civil war left it split into rebel and government-controlled areas. Efforts by the African Union to find a peaceful solution to the post-election crisis have so far failed.
The United Nations says at least 472 people have been killed since the political crisis began in early December. About one million people have been displaced by the fighting.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Rebels-Seize-Two-More-Towns-in-Ivory-Coast-118902474.html
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