Dozens feared dead as commandos battle gunman in Burkina Faso hotel

More than 60 hostages have been freed after security forces launched an assault on a hotel in Burkina Faso which was attacked by suspected Islamist militants. However, at least 20 people are reported to have been killed after gunmen stormed the Splendid Hotel in the capital Ouagadougou. The toll could rise as 10 bodies were seen on the terrace of a restaurant opposite the hotel. Gunfire could still be heard on Saturday morning as troops, bolstered by French commandos from neighbouring Mali, continued to battle the gunmen in the hotel. An al-Qaida affiliate known as AQIM claimed responsibility for the attack.

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 hotel, firing into the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived. The Cappuccino cafe-restaurant nearby was also targeted. Witnesses said the gunmen were wearing turbans and appeared to target white people. The hotel caught fire after security forces used explosives to enter the building to try and free those trapped. Several cars outside the hotel were also in flames. Among those later 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

Burkina Faso Africa