World / Ivory Coast UN, French Attack Gbago Residence Operation aims to destroy heavy weapons By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff Suggested by Park Posted Apr 10, 2011 5:01 PM CDT Copied A fire is seen at the naval base controlled by forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo in Abidjan on April 10, 2011. UN and French forces in Ivory Coast attacked positions of troops loyal to Gbagbo today. (Getty Images) UN and French helicopters today attacked sites near Ivory Coast military bases as well as the presidential residence and palace, the BBC reports. The aim of the operation is to destroy heavy weapons near Laurent Gbagbo's residence in Abidjan. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he requested the air strikes because Gbagbo’s forces were using the weapons against civilians and UN peacekeepers. Gbagbo is believed to be hiding out in a bunker at the presidential residence. (More Ivory Coast stories.) Report an error