U.S. State Department spokesman said on Thursday that the perimeter of American embassy in Cote d' Ivoire was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and the embassy is considering to authorize departure of its personnel given the rising violence.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the errant rocket-propelled grenade stoke the outer perimeter of the embassy, but it only inflicted slight damage and no injuries.

Crowley said the U.S. remained concerned about the situation in Cote d'Ivoire and deplored the use of violence.

He said the U.S. embassy is still considering to authorize the departure of its personnel because of the increasing violence but has not yet made a decision.

Cote d'Ivoire's incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and his rival, former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, both claimed victory in the presidential elections and formed their respective government, creating a political impasse in the country.

Supporters from both sides clashed in Abidjan in recent days, with multiple fatalities reported.