Brazzaville - Rebel commanders in the Congo Republic said they were closing in on the presidential palace in Brazzaville as diplomats reported government troops battling on a second front against invading Angolans.
"We are 200 metres from the presidential palace," one commander said yesterday after a day of heavy fighting rocked the shattered city centre, previously a stronghold of supporters of President Pascal Lissouba.
A four-month power struggle pitting Mr Lissouba's forces against the Cobra militia of former Marxist military leader Mr Denis Sassou Nguesso has escalated since last Thursday, drawing in troops from neighbouring Angola.