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Ouagadougou blasts: Burkina Faso capital hit by gunfire | Ouagadougou blasts: Burkina Faso capital hit by gunfire |
(35 minutes later) | |
Gunmen have attacked a hotel used by westerners in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, in west Africa. | Gunmen have attacked a hotel used by westerners in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, in west Africa. |
Eyewitnesses said two car bombs went off outside the Splendid hotel at around 19:30 local time (same as GMT). | Eyewitnesses said two car bombs went off outside the Splendid hotel at around 19:30 local time (same as GMT). |
Three to four masked men then stormed the Splendid Hotel, which is used by UN staff and westerners, witnesses said. | |
Gunfire was then exchanged between the men and security forces at the scene. There is not yet any indication of casualties. | Gunfire was then exchanged between the men and security forces at the scene. There is not yet any indication of casualties. |
Reporters at the scene said gunfire could be heard from inside the hotel, and that a car was on fire outside. | |
The four-star hotel is located close to the international airport. | |
Burkina Faso had recently held its first presidential election since a coup earlier last year. | |
That coup toppled its long-time leader Blaise Compaore, who had ruled for 27 years. |