Ivory Coast lost two Su-25 ground attack planes
French forces in Ivory Coast have destroyed two government warplanes after an air strike which left eight French soldiers dead and 23 injured.
The French struck the airbase in the capital, Yamoussoukro, soon after an air raid on the rebel-held town of Bouake hit the French peacekeepers.
France said its forces had struck in direct response to the bombing.
French and Ivorian forces also clashed briefly at the airport in main city Abidjan, a French spokesman said. Now the priority is the immediate end of combat Jean-Francois Bureau
French defence ministry
Col Henry Aussavy said the Ivorians had shot first and the French had fired back, but negotiations were later begun.