U.S. Embassy In Harare Takes In 220 Zimbabwean Fleeing From Opposition Attacks

July 3, 2008 1:18 p.m. EST

Harare, Zimbabwe (AHN) - About 220 Zimbabweans who fled from attacks by supporters of President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party have sought refuse inside the U.S. embassy in Harare.

American Ambassador James McGee said the embassy is coordinating with humanitarian groups to find accommodations for the group, who brought with them blankets and some possessions. A number of the refugees have injuries.

The political atmosphere in Zimbabwe had remained tense following the disputed March election and a presidential runoff in June, when Mugabe run unopposed after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race. Last week over 300 opposition supporters asked for refuge at the South African embassy. The group was brought to a camp outside the capital city.