U.S. Military Forces Headed to Ivory Coast - 2002-09-24

U.S. military forces have headed to Ivory Coast to ensure the safety of American citizens, including children trapped in a Christian missionary school. According to American officials, 200 U.S. soldiers left Europe today for Ivory Coast. Military officials in Ivory Coast say government loyalist forces have entered the city of Bouaké in the north, which has been under the control of rebel soldiers since last Thursday. A military spokesperson did not confirm whether the military had taken control of Bouaké, but residents reported hearing gunfire and mortar explosions during the night as government forces attacked the military school held by rebels. The rebels claim to control several cities in central and northern Ivory Coast. Abidjan, the commercial capital of Ivory Coast, remains under government control. The latest news indicates that U.S. forces are set to enter West Africa soon on a mission to protect about one hundred American schoolchildren and other American citizens caught in the conflict in Ivory Coast. U.S. officials state that approximately 200 soldiers are heading to Ivory Coast from Europe, but they will likely stop in Ghana before entering the country. Meanwhile, the fighting between rebels and government soldiers in Bouaké has escalated. About 160 Americans, including one hundred children associated with a Christian missionary school, are trapped in the city. Since the rebels began their uprising last Thursday, they have taken control of Bouaké. An estimated 270 people have been killed so far. French forces are currently stationed in Ivory Coast to protect foreign citizens.