IVORY COAST: RESCUING DIPLOMATS DURING THE COUP

In the heart of combat

An episode from the series SPECIAL OPS

Synopsis

In 2011, the Ivory Coast d'Ivoire is in disarray. Laurent Gbagbo, former President of the country, still clings to power even though he lost the election. Violence is everywhere. For several days, foreign nationals are evacuated by soldiers of the Army Special Forces.

A few days later, militiamen in Gbagbo's pay storm the Japanese embassy, killing several employees. The ambassador takes refuge in the panic room of the building. Less than three hours after the start of these events, the Japanese government authorizes France to intervene. An extremely audacious operation is carried out to free the ambassador.

48 hours later, the special forces are again called upon through diplomatic channels. The Chargé d'Affaires of the British Embassy has taken refuge in the secure room. France must intervene again... this time without the element of surprise.