Ivorian forces kill six women at pro-Ouattara rally

ABIDJAN

Ivorian security forces shot dead at least six women who were protesting on Thursday in support of presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara, two witnesses and a security source said.

"Men in uniform drove up and started shooting randomly. Six women died on the spot," said Idrissa Diarrassouba, a resident in Abidjan's Abobo neighbourhood, where the incident took place.

Another witness said the toll was as high as 10. A military source confirmed the shooting but said it had been an accident as security forces were jittery after recent clashes.

The shooting comes amid fears that a power struggle between Ouattara and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, who has rejected widespread calls to stand down after a Nov. 28 election, could push the top cocoa grower back into civil war.

(Reuters)