UN chief slams terrorist attacks in three hotels in Cote d'Ivoire

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in three beach resort hotels in Cote d'Ivoire, pledging full support in bringing those responsible to justice.

In a statement issued here by his spokesman on the incident in the western African country, which killed at least 14 civilians, Ban "expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the people and government of Cote d'Ivoire and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured."

"The secretary-general reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to stand with the people of Cote d'Ivoire at this difficult time and extends his full support to the government of Cote d'Ivoire in its efforts to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice," said the statement.

The attacks occurred in Grand Bassam, a town in southeastern Cote d'Ivoire listed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site. Located some 65 km away from Abidjan, the largest city and economic capital of the country, the town is popular among tourists and foreign workers.

Two soldiers and six attackers were also killed in the incident, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire said.

It is yet to be determined who was behind the attacks. Some media outlets reported that Al-Qaeda's north African branch has claimed responsibility. Endi