GRAND-BASSAM, Ivory Coast — At least six armed men attacked beachgoers outside three hotels Sunday in Grand-Bassam, killing at least 14 civilians and two special forces, sending tourists fleeing through the historic Ivory Coast resort town. Bloody bodies were sprawled on the beach before being taken away by security forces and Ivorian Red Cross workers.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said t 14 civilians, two special forces and the six assailants were killed after the armed men attacked beachgoers and three hotels in Grand-Bassam.
Ouattara traveled to the town Sunday and said he will visit the hotels to express condolences and salute security forces for their quick responses.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the attack, according to SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist websites. The Islamic extremist group made the declaration in a post to its Telegram channels, calling three of the attackers “heroes.”
There was no evidence that U.S. citizens were targeted, nor confirmed reports that any were harmed.
