"They started shooting at around 0500 GMT in the town itself. There is no one in the streets. Since Sunday there have been rumours of an attack, everyone was scared," said one inhabitant reached by phone.

"Since this morning we have heard the firing of heavy weapons, we can't go out, we are at home," said another resident, while a third reported the sound of Kalashnikovs being fired.

The exact origin of the shooting could not be established.

The former rebel group New Forces (FN) allied with internationally recognised president Alassane Ouattara has held the north of the country since a 2002 civil war. The traditional frontline is some 40km (25 miles) north of Duekoue.