( CNN ) -- The United Nations plans to add 2,000 more soldiers to its peacekeeping mission in the Ivory Coast amid escalating violence between supporters of rival politicians . Laurent Gbagbo , the incumbent leader , is defying calls to step down after an electoral commission declared he lost the election in November . The international community -- including the United Nations -- considers challenger Alassane Ouattara the winner of the presidential vote . Ouattara is holed up in a hotel in the main city of Abidjan under the protection of U.N. peacekeepers . Reinforcements will also include three more armed helicopters to help protect civilians , according to a spokesman . `` These helicopters will be used to promote peace and provide protection , '' said Hamadoun Toure , a spokesman for the U.N. mission in the country . The 9,000-strong mission has been in the country for seven years , according to the United Nations . World leaders are concerned that violence from the standoff will cause another civil war , which split the country into a rebel-held north and a government-controlled south in 2002 . Last week , at least six were killed when an all-women group protesting the disputed president 's refusal to cede power was fired upon . Gbagbo soldiers attacked the group , which was peacefully marching in Abidjan on Thursday , said P.J . Crowley , the U.S. State Department spokesman . Video footage shows women screaming as thunderous gunshots are heard in the background . After the attack , bloodied bodies , flip-flops and tote bags were left scattered on the streets . The disputed president denied his forces were behind the killings , calling it a `` gross manipulation '' of events . About 365 people have been killed since the standoff started in December , the U.N. said . Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes , with about 200,000 leaving the Abidjan area alone since the clashes started . The United Nations refugee agency has warned that its access to people in need of urgent humanitarian aid is becoming impossible amid escalating violence .
It will also add more armed helicopters to its peacekeeping force . The announcement comes amid escalating violence between supporters of rival leaders . Laurent Bernard , the incumbent leader , is defying orders to step down . Clashes between supporters of rival leaders leave 365 dead , he says .