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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.Three to four masked men then stormed the Splendid Hotel, which is used by UN staff and westerners, witnesses said.
Local media report that at least one person has been taken hostage inside the building. There is not yet any indication of casualties.Local media report that at least one person has been taken hostage inside the building. There is not yet any indication of casualties.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing exchanges of gunfire between the men and security forces, as well as sporadic gunfire from inside the hotel. At least one car was seen burning outside the building.Eyewitnesses reported hearing exchanges of gunfire between the men and security forces, as well as sporadic gunfire from inside the hotel. At least one car was seen burning outside the building.
Three hours after the attack started, an AP reporter at the scene reported seeing soldiers in an armoured vehicle arrive in the area.
Reports suggest the nearby Cappucino cafe was also attacked.Reports suggest the nearby Cappucino cafe was also attacked.
The four-star hotel is located close to the country's international airport.The four-star hotel is located close to the country's international airport.
Local TV station Burkina 24 said that security forces were preparing to intervene.Local TV station Burkina 24 said that security forces were preparing to intervene.
The US embassy in Ouagadougou said it was aware of the incident and was "closely following" the situation.The US embassy in Ouagadougou said it was aware of the incident and was "closely following" the situation.
A similar attack by Islamist militants in neighbouring Mali in November left 20 people dead.A similar attack by Islamist militants in neighbouring Mali in November left 20 people dead.
Burkina Faso had recently held its first presidential election since a coup earlier last year.Burkina Faso had recently held its first presidential election since a coup earlier last year.
That coup toppled long-time leader Blaise Compaore, who had governed for 27 years.That coup toppled long-time leader Blaise Compaore, who had governed for 27 years.
Are you in the area? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Are you in the area? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
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