Ivory Coast rebels advance

Rebels backing Ivory Coast’s internationally-recognised leader Alassane Ouattara extended their gains by capturing a strategic crossroads and advanced towards the capital Abidjan after four months of political chaos following the disputed election.

Incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to leave office is quickly degenerating into a full-scale war in the world’s main cocoa-producing country, but accepting the rebels’ support could prove risky for Mr Ouattara if the fighters commit abuses in his name.