OUGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Gunfire and explosions were heard in the capital city of Burkina Faso, after around 6 turbaned men began shooting at a hotel.
The shooting began after approximately six armed turbaned men opened fire.
According to the hospital chief in Ouagadougou, there are at least 20 people that have been killed.
The splendid hotel is now reportedly on fire as commandos storm the building where hostages are currently being held.
Reuters is reporting that 33 hostages, including gov’t minister freed from besieged hotel, communication minister says.
A car was set on fire nearby the Spelndid Hotel, the hotel is frequently used by UN staff and westerners.
Witnesses reported seeing gunmen emerge from the hotel and fire into the air to keep crowds and onlookers away.
People nearby took to social media to say that the country is now on red level.
Suspected Islamic fighters entered the hotel, burning cars and shooting into the air.
The US Embassy in Ouagadougou has offered the following contact information:
“Contact the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou<http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov/>, in Ouaga 2000, Sector 15, on Avenue Sembene Ousmane, southeast of the Monument aux Héros Nationaux, at (+226) 25-49-53-00, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency situation after normal Embassy operating hours, please contact the Embassy, dial “1,” and ask to be connected to the duty officer.”
“Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).”
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