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-43257453
The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Burkina Faso attack: Ouagadougou sees gunfire and explosion | Burkina Faso attack: Ouagadougou sees gunfire and explosion |
(35 minutes later) | |
Gunfire and an explosion have been heard near the army headquarters and the French embassy in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. | Gunfire and an explosion have been heard near the army headquarters and the French embassy in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. |
Witnesses have reported seeing armed men getting out of a car and opening fire before heading towards the embassy. | Witnesses have reported seeing armed men getting out of a car and opening fire before heading towards the embassy. |
"An attack is under way," the French ambassador tweeted. | "An attack is under way," the French ambassador tweeted. |
Pictures from the scene show a cloud of black smoke rising into the sky. It is unclear who is behind the violence. | |
The national police have issued a statement saying special forces are in action. | The national police have issued a statement saying special forces are in action. |
A statement on the French embassy's Facebook page said it was not clear which locations were being targeted. | |
It appears to be a twin assault as the city's military barracks and the embassy - which is also near the prime minister's office - are about one kilometre (half a mile) apart. | |
The US embassy in the city has advised people to seek shelter. | The US embassy in the city has advised people to seek shelter. |
Mayor Armand Béouindé told France's Le Monde newspaper that the attackers shot at the town hall and his office windows were shattered. "Apparently, it is a jihadist attack," he said, but gave no further details. | |
Ouagadougou has suffered two major attacks by Islamist militants in the last two years. | Ouagadougou has suffered two major attacks by Islamist militants in the last two years. |
The West African country also saw a failed coup in 2015. The trial for dozens of the alleged perpetrators began earlier this week but was suspended after defence lawyers walked out in protest against the military court. | The West African country also saw a failed coup in 2015. The trial for dozens of the alleged perpetrators began earlier this week but was suspended after defence lawyers walked out in protest against the military court. |
Are you in the area? If it is safe for you to do so you can share your experiences with us by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | Are you in the area? If it is safe for you to do so you can share your experiences with us by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. |
You can also contact us in the following ways: | You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or please use the form below: | Or please use the form below: |