ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) – The Latest on the beach attack in Ivory Coast(all times local):
6 p.m.
Ivory Coast’s government says that security forces have neutralized six armed men who staged attacks on three hotels in the historic town of Grand-Bassam.
State Minister Hamed Bakayoko said in a statement posted to the government Twitter that security sweeps are underway and a toll of people killed and injured will be announced in the coming hours. He said he urges the public to remain calm.
___
4:44 p.m.
Witnesses say bursts of gunfire have been heard in a southeastern Ivory Coast beach town about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Ivory Coast’s economic center, Abidjan.
Josiane Sekongo, 25, said shots rang out Sunday afternoon in Grand-Bassam, a popular weekend destination for Ivorians and foreigners.
Sekongo, who lives across from one of the town’s many beachfront hotels, said she ran outside when she heard the gunfire and saw people running away from the beach. She said residents were hiding in their homes as security forces responded.
It was unclear how many assailants were involved. Casualty information was not immediately available.