Terror Attacks Rock Turkey and Ivory Coast

(CN) - A shooting at an Ivory Coast beach resort claimed by an al-Qaida affiliate and a car explosion in the capital of Turkey killed at least 46 people on Sunday.

According to news reports, six gunmen from al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) attacked the beach resort town of Grand Bassam in the West African nation of Ivory Coast on Sunday, targeting hotels in the area.

At least 16 people were killed in the Ivory Coast shooting, including two members of the country's military, a spokesman for President Alassane Ouattara told news outlets after the attack. The six shooters also died.

President Ouattara said that "the situation is under control" while visiting the scene, the New York Times reported. The newspaper noted that French authorities warned people weeks ago of a possible attack in Ivory Coast or Senegal.

AQIM, a North African affiliate of al-Qaida, reportedly claimed responsibility for the beach shooting on a social media account.

On Sunday night, a car blew up in a public square in the Turkish capital of Ankara in what the country's interior minister called a terror attack. At least 30 people were killed and more than 100 others injured.

Turkish authorities haven't said who they think is responsible for the bombing, according to CNN. No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the killings.

The U.S. embassy in Ankara warned last week of a possible terrorist plot in the city.

Another bombing in the Turkish capital killed 28 people just three weeks ago. A group called the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons claimed responsibility for that attack, according to the New York Times.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price condemned both attacks in statements Sunday night and Monday morning.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey, which has taken innocent lives and injured scores," Price said Sunday night. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those killed and injured as well as to their loved ones. This horrific act is only the most recent of many terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Turkish people."

Price also denounced the attack in Grand Bassam and said the U.S. State Department "continues to coordinate with partners on the ground to verify the safety of American citizens" in Ivory Coast.

"The United States stands with the Ivoirian people and will remain a steadfast partner to the Government of Côte d'Ivoire as it continues making extraordinary progress strengthening its governing and economic institutions," Price said Monday. "We are prepared to assist the Ivoirian government in the coming days as it investigates this tragic terrorist attack."

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