Al-Qaeda strikes in Ouagadougou

Gunmen stormed the Splendid hotel in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso last night in what appeared to be a major terrorist attack. Security forces were called in to attempt taking control of the luxury hotel in the centre of Burkina Faso's capital city. The gunmen were considered Islamist radicals and took hostages, killing at least 20 people, according to official reports. The four-star hotel is reported to be frequently used by the United Nations and people from the Western world.

The Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the attack in collaboration with another extremist group yet to be confirmed according to reports from the SITE Intelligence Group.

The country's Communications Minister was reported to have stated that about thirty hostages including a government minister were later freed. Latest reports however indicate that about twenty people have been killed.

Due to the use of explosives in the attack, the hotel was also reported to be on fire.

Robert Sangare, Director of the university hospital was reported to have said that they "have received around 15 wounded people. There are people with bullet wounds and people who are injured because of falls," He added that one European woman who was being treated at the hospital told him the attackers appeared to target white people.

Local media report indicate that commandos made up of Burkinabe security forces with support from French special forces and the US intelligence were at the scene and are attempting to take control of the hotel from the terrorists.

The country's foreign minister, Alpha Barry, earlier told Reuters that special forces had secured a perimeter around the hotel.

It is also suggested that a cafe-restaurant opposite the hotel, which is popular with westerners, was also targeted.

A journalist at the scene said US troops were also conducting a rescue mission at the hotel, CNN reports. The US Embassy in Ouagadougou tweeted: "We are closely following the situation downtown".

The French embassy in Burkina Faso have called the incident a "terrorist attack" and have urged people in the area to "go home".

The city is under curfew from 11pm to 6am.