Ivory Coast: UN allows Gbagbo to transfer damaged planes

President Laurent Gbagbo's armed forces have begun transferring to Abidjan four attack aircraft damaged by French peacekeepers during a flare-up of hostilities in November, sparking fears of a resumption of hostilities among city residents. Opposition dailies accused the United Nations of giving Gbagbo the “green light” to resume fighting following its bombing raids on the rebel-held north in early November, which were intended to pave the way for a ground offensive. This was stopped in its tracks after French troops incapacitated the air force's small fleet of jet bombers and attack helicopters on the ground.