'At least 28 killed' in Burkina Faso hotel siege

At least 28 people of 18 different nationalities have been killed in an attack by Islamist militants at a hotel in Burkina Faso's capital.

The Al-Qaeda linked Islamic Maghreb militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack which has been described as "cowardly and vile", by the nation's president.

Four attackers, including two women, are said to have been killed during a security operation which freed 126 hostages.

Meanwhile, two Austrian citizens, a doctor and his wife, have been kidnapped in northern Burkina Faso, the country's security ministry said.

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American killed in Burkina Faso attack identified

An American killed in the attack on a hotel and cafe in Burkina Faso has been identified as Michael James Riddering, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

Mr Kirby added that the US embassy were in contact with local authorities and was working to assist American citizens.

The assault in the capital Ouagadougou by suspected Islamist militants left at least 28 people dead from around 18 countries.

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Attackers 'targeted westerners' in hotel siege

Terrorists appeared to deliberate targeted westerners in a bloody attack on a Burkina Faso hotel popular with foreigners and a nearby cafe, witnesses have said.

Report by ITV News correspondent Martha Fairlie

"They started to shoot at everyone," one woman who was in the cafe during the attack told ITV News.

"We dropped to the ground and as soon as anyone raised their heads they fired straight at them immediately.

We had to play dead. They shook people by the foot to see if they were alive or not. If they were alive, they shot."

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Foreign secretary condemns Burkina Faso hotel attack

Philip Hammond Credit: PA

The foreign secretary has condemned the attack on the Burkina Faso hotel which left at least 23 dead.

I utterly condemn the appalling attack in Ouagadougou last night and offer my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed and injured.

The United Kingdom stands with President Kaboré and the people of Burkina Faso in the fight against terrorism.

– Philip Hammond

British nationals in Burkina Faso have been advised to avoid the area where the attack took place, follow the instructions of local security authorities and monitor FCO travel advice.

Islamist group claim responsibility for Burkina Faso attack

A women is led to safety after being evacuated from the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou. Credit: APTN

The Al-Qaeda linked Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) militant group has claimed responsibility for an attack at a hotel in Burkina Faso in which at least 23 people died.

Four attackers, including two women, are said to have been killed during a security operation by local and French forces which freed 126 hostages.

Burkina Faso hotel siege: Fourth suspected attacker killed

French and local security forces took part on the operation at the hotel. Credit: Reuters

A fourth suspected Islamist militant has been killed during an attack at a hotel in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou.

Two of the assailants are believed to have women, according a gendarme officer.

At least 23 people of 18 different nationalities are believed to have died and 126 hostages were freed during an operation by security forces at the four-star Splendid Hotel.

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