BREAKING NEWS: Terror in Burkina Faso: ‘Hostages held’ after two car bombs explode outside upmarket tourist hotel as masked jihadi gunmen battled security forces in the street

 

• Eyewitnesses say two car bombs exploded at 7.30pm local time
• Up to four masked gunmen then stormed the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou
• Local media reported at least one hostage has been taken
• Business district hotel is used by UN staff and westerners  
• Security forces reportedly exchanged fire with the men at the scene 

Security forces in Burkina Faso battled suspected Islamist fighters outside the Splendid Hotel in the capital’s business district as reports surfaced that at least one hostage is being held.

The gunmen stormed the hotel, burning cars outside and firing in the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived, prompting an intense exchange of gunfire.

Journalist Olympia de Maismont, who is in Burkina Faso, said on Twitter that police have confirmed that they are dealing with a hostage situation.

Eyewitnesses say two car bombs exploded at approximately 7.30pm local time before three or four masked men stormed the hotel.

Witnesses reported seeing a gunmen emerge from the hotel and fire into the air to keep crowds away.

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