[JURIST] The UN Security Council late Saturday issued a statement condemning Ivory Coast air force raids again rebel cities in which eight French peacekeepers attached to the UNOCI (United Nations Operation in the Ivory Coast) were killed, leading to French retaliation in which five Ivory Coast war planes were destroyed, virtually obliterating the government air force. The UN statement called for an end to all military operations and confirmed that French and UN peacekeepers were authorised to use all necessary means to carry out their mandate. Read the full text of the UN statement here. BBC News has more. Red Cross officials estimated Sunday that 150 people have been injured in local riots which broke out after word spread of the French retaliation. Mobs attacked a French military base and raided homes seeking French citizens, who have been cautioned not to go out in public. 250 additional French troops have been dispatched to Abidjan and European residents are being evacuated. Read a French Defense Ministry statement here. The United States has issued travel warnings for the region. ABC News has more.
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