ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, June 1 (UPI) -- French anti-terrorism officials are warning travelers and diplomats in Ivory Coast to beware of a growing jihadist threat in the country.
The French government said members of a suspected band of radical Muslims preparing to attack French interests in the country were arrested in Abidjan in March. Radio France Internationale said the group is part of a terrorist force growing in the months since France intervened against al-Qaida in neighboring Mali.
The Ivory Coast government aided France in the military intervention and is assembling a military force to take over that effort.
Security forces have been increased on the border between Ivory Coast and Mali, and airports and other potential terrorist forces are under heightened surveillance, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said.
