An international school in the rebel-held central Ivory Coast city of Bouake is under the protection of French soldiers, France's armed forces headquarters said today.
Some 170 mostly American children and staff have been holed up at the International Christian Academy since last week, when disgruntled Ivorian army soldiers took control of the city following a failed coup attempt in the west African country.
French units secured the school before midday, according to officials at the armed forces headquarters.
Officials added that the students and teachers did not want to be evacuated immediately, as the presence of the French troops has comforted them.
French troops backed by tanks took up position near Bouake, some 100 kilometers north of the Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro, today.
US troops arrived in the Ivory Coast today to protect American citizens.
Bursts of gunfire and the sound of anti-tank rockets echoed through Bouake, as loyalist troops and renegade soldiers fought gunbattles overnight.
The Pentagon said it was moving forces to West Africa from its European Command to protect 2,000 to 3,000 Americans in Ivory Coast, which was once seen as a regional haven of peace.
Agencies