Burkina Faso and Mali have agreed to work together to counter the growing threat of Islamic militants in West Africa by sharing intelligence and conducting joint security patrols following two deadly and well-coordinated attacks in the region.
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Al-Qaida fighters raided a popular resort in Burkina Faso’s capital of Ouagadougou, killing about 28 people, before they set a cafe ablaze yesterday.
According to the government of Burkina, a spokesperson for Malian Islamist group Ansar Dine claimed that the couple is now being held by an Al-Qaeda linked extremist group “Emirate of the Sahara”.
A government source, who spoke on condition that his name not be published, said some of the six were humanitarian workers.
The hotel and surrounding area became a battleground as Burkina Faso troops, backed by French forces based in the city under a regional counterterrorism initiative, launched an attempt to retake the hotel around 2:00 am. He also announced on the national broadcaster, Burkina 24, that security forces would be stepping up their efforts to thwart future attacks and asked people to comply with the new restrictions.
Burnt-out cars were in front of the Splendid Hotel, usually favoured by foreigners, but now a target for gunmen.
A fire had raged in the main entrance of Ouagadougou’s four-star Splendid hotel and screams could be heard from inside as Burkinabe forces prepared an assault to rescue hostages still trapped five hours after the assault began.
The siege at the Splendid Hotel ended on Saturday morning after a joint operation by Burkina Faso and French security forces.
Last month, Burkina Faso swore in Roch Marc Christian Kabore as president, completing the troubled W …
A survivor told Robert Sangare, a local hospital director, that he thought the number of dead could be as high as 20, according to the Associated Press.
Very little has been confirmed publicly by officials, except to say they were examining their options.
He said it was unclear how many attackers were still inside the 147-room hotel.
The country also has been in growing political turmoil since its longtime president was ousted in a popular uprising in late 2014. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed the attack on behalf of an affiliate. Members of the military jockeyed for power, and the country suffered through a short-lived coup earlier this year before democratic elections were allowed to go forward in November.
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Australian media reported the couple are surgeon Ken Eliot and his wife Jocelyn.
