Gunmen have attacked a group of Ivorian armed forces in the southwest of the country, leaving at least 15 people dead. The continuing violence has already sent 18, 000 Ivorians to seek safety in Ghana.

According to state media, the attackers - mercenaries hired by supporters of former leader, Laurent Gbagbo - came in from Liberia, taking the soldiers by surprise.

The UN may not be able to help them for much longer -- they say they are $70 million dollars short of what is needed to look after Ivorian refugees.

Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone reports.