Rebels have captured the largest city in far west Ivory Coast, expelling government soldiers in a push they say will stop only when they reach the commercial center, Abidjan.
The advance threatened a sharp setback for the government of Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer and a vital West African economic hub.
West African leaders have failed to negotiate an end to the three-month-long conflict, which they fear threatens regional stability.
Increasing their alarm were civilian reports Thursday that fighters from neighboring Liberia had led the rebel conquest of the city of Man.
Rebels captured the 135,000-resident city after a day and night of fighting.
"We have taken control of Man," insurgent commander Felix Doh told The Associated Press by telephone, a claim confirmed by residents and Western military officials. "There are still pockets of resistance, and we'll be taking care of them soon."
Rebels, mostly from the north, have demanded the resignation of President Laurent Gbagbo, angered over what they say is his southern-based government's mistreatment of ethnic minorities.
Gbagbo has insisted the rebels disarm. The insurgents have demanded he clear the way for elections though rebels in Thursday's fight at Man seemed to want more.
"Our objective is to get to Abidjan and control the whole country," Doh declared.