Ethnic Violence

Violence in Ivory Coast Kills 800

Gbagbo continues to defend stronghold.

The Red Cross says 800 people were killed in one Ivory Coast town this week, as Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to leave office, and Alassane Ouattara, his elected successor, continue to battle for the country's presidency. The deaths occurred Tuesday, the Red Cross says, but it is not clear who is responsible. Ouattara has been in control of the town since Tuesday. The United Nations says it has received reports of major human-rights violations by both sides. Meanwhile, Ouattara's forces have Gbagbo surrounded in the city of Abidjan, but the forces still loyal to Gbagbo are putting up fierce resistance from the presidential palace. Nevertheless, diplomats say it is impossible for Gbagbo to escape defeat at the hands of his U.N.-approved rival, Ouattara.