Attack on Gbagbo Compound Fails

A heated situation in Ivory Coast has reached an impasse after an unsuccessful military raid. After surrender talks with Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo broke down Wednesday, fighters allied with challenger Alassane Ouattara opted to launch a new assault on the bunker at the presidential residence where Gbagbo is holed up. But the situation was stalled by Wednesday evening, after Ouattara’s forces encountered unexpectedly stiff resistance from loyalists. Gbagbo lost a presidential election to Ouattara four months ago but has refused to leave office. It’s an embarrassing turn for France, the former colonial power in the country, which was mediating talks and had predicted a quick Gbagbo surrender.