Burkina Faso: multiple terror attacks rock Ouagadougou
Several people were wounded and four militants killed in clashes in capital
The capital of Burkina Faso has come under attack by suspected Islamist terrorists, police say.
Explosions and heavy gunfire rocked Ouagadougou this morning, with pictures of the scene showing “a large cloud of black smoke in the downtown area” above the army headquarters and the French embassy, Al Jazeera reports.
The government said four attackers have been killed by specialist security forces, and operations are ongoing in the area.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The number of casualties is unclear, but reports suggest that several people have been wounded.
Communications Minister Remy Danjuinou told the Associated Press (AP) that Islamic extremists targeted both the French embassy and the Burkina Faso army headquarters, which are half a mile apart.
France’s ambassador to the Sahel region of Africa, Jean-Marc Chataigner, described the incident as a “terrorist attack” on Twitter. “Solidarity with colleagues and friends in Burkina Faso,” he said.
Witnesses say five attackers drove up to the embassy in a pick-up truck, shouted “Allahu Akhbar” and then set fire to the truck and began shooting, AP reports.
Burkina Faso has suffered a history of Islamist violence, with most of the attacks taking place in the remote northern border region with Mali.
However, in recent years militants have moved to targeting the capital. Last year, suspected jihadists killed at least 18 people during an attack on a restaurant in Ouagadougou. In 2016, al-Qa’eda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for an attack on a hotel that claimed the lives of 30 people.
The former French colony is an important regional base for French special forces, as well as an important US ally in the fight against groups affiliated with Islamic State in West Africa.
Last month, the EU announced it will double its funding for the G5 Sahel military force, which combats armed groups across the region.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
A history of student protest at Columbia University
The Explainer Anti-Israel demonstrations at NYC's Ivy League university echo protests against Vietnam War and South African apartheid
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Trump is ruled in contempt'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Hainault sword attack: police hunt for motive
Speed Read Mental health is key line of inquiry, as detectives prepare to interview suspect
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years: how powerful is Pakistan's military?
Today's Big Question The country's armed forces ignore country's economic woes, control its institutions and, critics say, engineer election results
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Iran's endgame?
Today's Big Question Tehran seeks to supplant US and Saudi Arabia as dominant power in Middle East while forcing Israel to end Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published