Over 23 Killed At Hotel In Burkina Faso

The attackers launched the assault on Splendid Hotel and the Cappuccino Cafe around 8.30pm local time on Friday.

They fired into the air to drive back crowds and torched vehicles, witnesses said.

At least 23 people were killed by al Qaeda militants at a hotel and restaurant in Burkina Faso's capital, while a new assault started at a second hotel nearby.

Security forces freed at least 126 hostages around 12 hours after militants launched the attacks on the Splendid Hotel and the Cappuccino Cafe across the road in Ouagadougou.

The West African nation's new president, Roch Marc Kabore, said the "partial death toll" in the "cowardly and vile" attacks was 23.

Security minister Simon Compaore said the 23 victims came from 18 different countries.

Four militants were killed. Two of the attackers were women, the president said.

Mr Compaore said troops, supported by the French military, ended the siege at Splendid Hotel and the Cappuccino Cafe, both popular with Westerners, on Saturday morning.

He added: "But an assault is ongoing at the Hotel Yibi."

One of the dead attackers was killed at the Hotel Yibi, the president said.

Thirty-three hostages were also wounded.

Al Qaeda of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.