Ivory Coast rioters hit airport
2003-01-31 14:00
Abidjan - A French soldier was seriously injured when troops dispersed hundreds of Ivorian youths who stormed the runway of the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast's main city, to prevent French nationals from leaving, says a French military spokesperson.
The soldier was seriously injured in the face when French troops intervened, alongside Ivorian army forces, with helicopters and armoured vehicles.
Hundreds of "Young Patriots", a volatile youth movement backing President Laurent Gbagbo, threw stones and invaded the runway.
A reporter at the airport said the joint operation had managed to clear the runway, but several hundred angry "Young Patriots" were still gathered outside the terminal buildings.
Lieutenant-Colonel Philippe Perret said between 200 and 250 demonostrators had ringed the airport and thrown stones at the French troops, slightly injuring a second soldier.
Gbagbo's youthful supporters had gathered at the airport since early morning, trapping about 300 French nationals in the terminal building as they prepared to leave after days of rioting against a French-brokered peace deal. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA