23 killed as commandos battle with militants in Burkina Faso hotels

More than 120 hostages have been freed after security forces launched an assault on a hotel in Burkina Faso which was attacked by suspected Islamist militants. However, as the 12-hour battle came to an end 23 people were reported dead, a second hotel came under attack. Troops, who killed four militants including two women before regaining control of the Splendid Hotel in the capital Ouagadougouo, were sent to deal with the second assault at the Yibi Hotel. An al-Qaida affiliate known as AQIM has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

We had just opened and there were a few customers we started to serve when we heard gunshots … there were three men shooting in the air. Lots of people left their cars and motorcycles and ran.

Witness Vital Nounayon, a waiter workingacross the street from the hotel

Four or five gunmen launched the attack on the Splendid Hotel and nearby Cappuccino cafe-restaurant, firing into the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived. Witnesses said the gunmen were wearing turbans and appeared to target white people. The hotel caught fire after security forces, bolstered by French commandos from neighbouring Mali, used explosives to enter the building to try to free those trapped. Several cars outside the hotel were also in flames. Among those freed was a government minister, while at least 30 of those released were wounded. The hotel is popular with westerners and United Nations staff and often used by French troops involved in fighting with Islamic militants.

We know that the gunmen won’t get out of the hotel alive. Our country is not for jihadists or terrorists. They got it wrong.

One witness, named only as Gilbert

Africa Burkina Faso