This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35330169

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Burkina Faso attack: Several dead in Ouagadougou hotel Burkina Faso attack: 'At least 20 dead' in Ouagadougou hotel
(35 minutes later)
Gunmen have attacked a hotel used by westerners in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, killing a number of people and taking hostages. Gunmen have attacked a hotel used by westerners in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, taking hostages and reportedly killing at least 20 people.
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.
Foreign Minister Alpha Barry confirmed people died and said security forces would launch a raid to free hostages. Robert Sangare, a hospital director in the city, said at least 20 people had died and 15 more wounded.
Witnesses said the gunman had entered the nearby Cappuccino cafe. One employee at the cafe told Agence France Presse that "several people" had been killed there. Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said security forces would launch a raid to free hostages. He said he was "not ruling out possible support of foreign forces including French special forces".
One group that monitors jihadist networks said al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed it was behind the attack.One group that monitors jihadist networks said al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed it was behind the attack.
Witnesses said the gunmen had initially entered the Cappuccino cafe near the hotel. One employee at the cafe told Agence France Presse that "several people" had been killed there.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing exchanges of gunfire between the men and security forces, as well as sporadic gunfire from inside the four-star hotel close to the country's international airport.Eyewitnesses reported hearing exchanges of gunfire between the men and security forces, as well as sporadic gunfire from inside the four-star hotel close to the country's international airport.
At least one car was seen burning outside the building.
Three hours after the attack started, an Associated Press reporter at the scene reported seeing soldiers in an armoured vehicle arrive in the area.
In the latest developments:In the latest developments:
A similar attack by Islamist militants on a hotel in neighbouring Mali in November left 20 people dead.A similar attack by Islamist militants on a hotel 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.
"We are still in a context of political fragility, so I think the timing of this attack is meaningful," Cynthia Ohayon, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, told the BBC from Ouagadougou."We are still in a context of political fragility, so I think the timing of this attack is meaningful," Cynthia Ohayon, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, told the BBC from Ouagadougou.
"The country has long borders with Mali and Niger, and we know there are armed groups present on the border, so this was probably something we had coming.""The country has long borders with Mali and Niger, and we know there are armed groups present on the border, so this was probably something we had coming."
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.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: