The Splendid Hotel is under attack right now. CNN is saying that the US has been asked for military help by the French — and that drones will be deployed for surveillance.
Here are live updates from the New York Times:
Gunfire and Explosions Outside Hotel in Ouagadougou
Here is what we know about the attack on the Splendid Hotel on Friday night:
- Witnesses said that four to six gunmen with scarves over their heads set fire to vehicles outside and stormed the hotel.
- The country’s culture minister said that security forces have surrounded the hotel, where an unknown number of hostages were being held.
- Doctors at a hospital in the city said that some people had been killed. Witnesses said three bodies could be seen at a cafe near the hotel.
- Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said in a statement that it organized the attack along with Al Mourabitoun, a terrorist group led by an Algerian militant, Mokhtar Belmokhtar.
From the BBC:
Burkina Faso attack: 'At least 20 dead' in Ouagadougou hotel
From the CBC:
Burkina Faso luxury hotel attacked by gunmen