Tanks on move in Madagascar's capital

Two tanks forced their way into a presidential palace in Madagascar's capital and two explosions rocked the city yesterday soon after the armed forces publicly backed opposition leader Andry Rajoelina in his power struggle with President Marc Ravalomanana.

A few bursts of gunfire rang out and soldiers were positioned around the palace, witnesses said.

Ravalomanana was not in the building. He has been sheltering in another palace about 10 km from the city centre.