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                 Terror Attack at Beach Resort Shocks Ivorians

   by Emilie Iob

   In Ivory Coast, Sunday's deadly attack on beachgoers outside the
   commercial capital, Abidjan, was the country's first real brush with
   terrorism.

   The attack killed 14 civilians and left 22 wounded. The government said
   two soldiers were also killed, as well as six attackers.

   On Monday, there is the usual hustle and bustle on the streets of
   Abidjan, but the day is far from normal.

   Abidjan resident Yoan Gueï said fear from the attack "has set in, and
   it's big."

   "We are scared that maybe they [terrorists] could come to Abidjan,"
   Gueï said.

   ''One local headline calls Sunday's shooting a "bloodbath." Another
   simply reads "We are all Grand-Bassam." The seaside town is just 50
   kilometers outside Abidjan.

   Militant sect AQIM claimed the attack in a short message sent to a
   local Sahelian news site.

   For over a decade, AQIM has primarily operated farther north in the
   Sahara desert. But West Africa has been on alert following recent
   attacks on upscale hotels in Bamako, Mali, and Ouagadougou, Burkina
   Faso.

   The beach resorts of Grand-Bassam are a popular relaxation spot for
   both expatriates and locals.

   Abidjan resident Hugues Kouamé said the terror group is not just
   targeting Westerners anymore. He said everyone is being targeted and it
   concerns him.

   Of the 14 civilians killed, only two have been confirmed so far to have
   been non-Ivorian.

   ''For many in Abidjan, the attack came as a shock but not exactly a
   surprise.


   Local resident Adama Koné said the attack is not surprising given the
   political and economic importance of Ivory Coast in the region. He said
   such an incident was going to happen at some point.

   Street trader Roland Guina said more security is needed to prevent
   future terror incidents.

   Despite the fear, local resident Stéphane Tanoh said he will not
   change his lifestyle. He said he would live with the risks and continue
   to go to places where there are a lot of people.
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   ivorians/3234775.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/terror-attack-at-beach-resort-shocks-ivorians/3234775.html