Responsibility for the attack at one of Ouagadougou's main hotels popular with UN staff and westerners claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
At least 20 people are reported to have been killed and another 15 wounded in an Islamist attack on a hotel in the heart of Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou.
Last night the Splendid Hotel was reported to be on fire as commandos used explosives to force their way into the hotel in an attempt to rescue hostages who had been seized by the gunmen.
According to Burkina Faso's information minister, 63 hostages were released including a member of the government. Firefighters found 10 Ten bodies on the terrace of the Cappucino restaurant opposite the hotel.
The four-star hotel is a popular location with westerners, including United Nations staff.
Responsibility for the attack on the hotel and the nearby restaurant was claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
The "mujahideen brothers" of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb "broke into a restaurant of one of the biggest hotels in the capital of Burkina Faso, and are now entrenched and the clashes are continuing with the enemies of the religion," the SITE Intelligence Group quoted an Arabic-language AQIM message as saying.
Splendid Hotel in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou
"O Allah, make it successful, and O nation of the Cross, wait for the glad tidings of what will harm you," the message added.
Gunshots and explosions had been heard coming from the hotel. and around 10 cars were alight outside the hotel.
One witness said there were four turban-wearing attackers, who were described as being white or Arab in appearance.
Police and security forces were at the scene supported by a helicopter.
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Date | 16th January, 2016
Credit: Telegraph.co.uk
