State Department warns against travel to Ivory Coast

Fighting between government troops and rebels in Ivory Coast has prompted a travel warning fromthe U.S. State Department.

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department Monday warned U.S. citizens against traveling to the Ivory Coast, and urged Americans in the country to leave.

The travel warning reflected concern over an expansion of fighting between rebels and government forces.

"Rebel forces control most of northern Cote d'Ivoire, including the towns of Bouake and Korhogo, while the capital, Yamoussoukro, and the commercial capital, Abidjan, remain under the government's control," said the statement, using the French spelling for the country.

"Although the government of Cote d'Ivoire and the rebel forces have signed an agreement to cease hostilities, the situation has become increasingly volatile," it said. "In late November, fighting occurred in western Cote d'Ivoire, with new rebel groups capturing the towns of Man and Danane and other areas."

Last October, the department ordered non-essential U.S. government personnel and their family members to leave the country.

"While the situation in Abidjan and other areas outside the zones may appear calm, the situation is unpredictable, and we urge private Americans to leave the country while space is still available on outgoing flights," the statement said.

Abidjan's airport is open during non-curfew hours, and airlines continue their flights into and out of the city with revised schedules.

Land routes to the Ghanaian border remain open, although roadblocks typically result in extensive delays.

U.S. government personnel are allowed outside Abidjan only if the ambassador approves their travel, and private Americans who stay in Abidjan despite the warning should avoid travel into the interior, the statement said.

"The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan may temporarily close for general business from time to time to review its security posture," the warning said.

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