20110314
xinhua

ABIDJAN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Heavy fighting was heard on Monday around the residence of the army chief in Cote d'Ivoire, causing panic among residents in Yopougon district in the economic capital Abidjan, witnesses told Xinhua.

Loud gunshots erupted at around 6 a. m. local time near army chief Philippe Mangou's residence in the neighborhood of Yopougon, where concentrate supporters of the West African country's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo.

Eyewitnesses said a "group of armed men" were spotted within Yopougon district and that they started shooting near the fence where Gen. Mangou stays.

The pro-Gbagbo soldiers who are permanently stationed near the residence returned fire. The heavy exchange of fire rocked the city which has been battered by frequent clashes since the Nov. 28 presidential election.

Some residents told Xinhua that they had to stay at home for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

Calm was restored in the whole district at around 7 a.m..

There has been no official comment on the shootout, although the pro-Gbagbo forces and the rival fighters including "commandos" in support of Alassane Ouattara have encountered several times.

The attack on Mangou's residence followed Saturday's military offensive against the key district of Abobo for Ouattara's supporters.

Witnesses reported aircraft and armored vehicles maneuvering to flush out the rival forces.

Since the disputed election, Cote d'Ivoire has been stuck in a political standoff with both Gbagbo and Ouattara claiming the presidency.