66 Indians evacuated from war torn Ivory Coast

New Delhi, Apr 12 (ANI): Sixty six Indian nationals, including 11 women and 12 children were safely evacuated from Abidjan, the capital of strife torn Ivory Coast and taken to Accra, the capital of Ghana on a Boeing 737 aircraft chartered by the Ministry of External Affairs.

"They landed at the Kotoko International Airport, Accra at 1600 hours (local time) or 2130 IST today. They were duly received by officials of the High Commission of India in Accra and rendered necessary consular and other assistance," said a statement from Ministry of External Affairs.

"Our Missions in Abidjan and Accra arranged the evacuation in close coordination with members of the Indian community in Abidjan and other concerned authorities. Ministry is greatly appreciative of the cooperation and support received from the Ghanaian and other authorities, in the matter," it added.

The pull-out on Tuesday came four days after the Indian Ambassador to Ivory Coast Shamma Jain was evacuated from her residence by UN and French forces in Abidjan.

Heavy fighting was going on between fighters loyal to Alassane Ouattara, Ivory Coast's democratically elected President, and Laurent Gbagbo who has refused to quit the post even after losing the November 2010 elections.

India had on March 31 supported the UN Security Council sanctions, including a travel ban and asset freeze on Gbagbo, his wife and close aides. (ANI)