Ivory Coast forces fight pockets of resistance

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – A commander in Ivory Coast's new army says forces are battling pockets of resistance in the commercial capital created by fighters loyal to the ousted strongman.

Ousmane Coulibaly says forces are clashing with fighters loyal to Laurent Gbagbo in the Yopougon suburb of Abidjan. He said Tuesday he thinks the area can be pacified within 48 hours.

Gbagbo's refusal to cede power after losing a November election plunged the country into four months of chaos and violence in which human rights groups say thousands were killed. Gbagbo was arrested April 11 by forces loyal to democratically elected President Alassane Ouattara.