'800 dead in western Ivorian town'

At least 800 people were killed in intercommunal violence in the western Ivorian town of Duekoue this week, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said today.

At least 800 people were killed in intercommunal violence in the western Ivorian town of Duekoue this week, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Saturday.

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"We have information that at least 800 persons were killed on March 29 (Tuesday) in Duekoue in intercommunal violence," ICRC spokeswoman Dorothea Krimitsas said.

ICRC officials visited the area on Thursday and Friday, she said: "Our colleagues saw hundreds of bodies ... We strongly suspect that was the result of intercommunal violence. Since Monday or so, tens of thousands of people have fled the area. This is not the first time there has been intercommunal violence in Duekoue."