In pictures: Ivory Coast erupts

1 of 12 Ivory Coast's commercial city, Abidjan, erupted following clashes between rebels and government forces.

2 of 12 Mobs have been targeting French citizens, including those in the Hotel Ivoire, after French troops destroyed the Ivorian air force.

3 of 12 The French assault was in retaliation for a government air strike which killed nine French soldiers.

4 of 12 Many French citizens are packing up and leaving.

5 of 12 This was the scene at Abidjan airport - the first evacuations took place on Wednesday.

6 of 12 Other Europeans are being evacuated too.

7 of 12 Meanwhile, French and government troops patrol the streets to try and bring calm.

8 of 12 There has been looting in Abidjan and the capital, Yamoussoukro

9 of 12 In Abidjan mobs burned schools and other French sites.

10 of 12 Protestors have been injured in the violence.

11 of 12 South African President Mbeki flew in to kick start peace talks - he met the Ivorian president.

12 of 12 In France, the government has moved swiftly to enlist UN backing for its tough line, pointing to its peacekeeping mandate in Ivory Coast.