Burkina Faso Situation Report: At least 20 killed

Burkina Faso Situation Report:
At least 20 killed in Ouagadougou hotel
siege
16/01/2016
0200 UTC
Executive summary
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On 15 January two car bombs exploded outside the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou
Three to six masked gunmen stormed the hotel, where hostages are reportedly being held by the
attackers and at least 20 have been killed including foreign nationals
The café-restaurant Cappuccino opposite the hotel was also attacked with gunfire
Security forces have surrounded the hotel premises and are collaborating with foreign forces
A curfew has been enforced from 2300 to 0600 UTC
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the attack
Overview
On 15 January at approximately 1930 local time, two car bombs exploded outside the Splendid Hotel
in Ouagadougou, often used by UN staff and westerners. Local sources also reported that across
from the hotel, the café-restaurant Cappuccino had also been attacked by gunfire with several people
killed. Following the explosions, three to six masked gunmen stormed the hotel and are currently
holding at least one confirmed victim hostage. The attackers may be holding multiple hostages.
Reports indicate at least 20 people have been killed with 15 injuries also reported. One police officer
was shot while attempting to enter the hotel. While Burkina Faso security forces are preparing an
assault to release the hostages, the foreign minister has requested support from foreign forces. Both
French and US security forces are reportedly collaborating in the rescue operation. AQIM claimed
responsibility for the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.
Cappuccino caférestaurant attacked
Two car bombs explode
outside the Splendid
Hotel. Gunmen enter
premises, hostage
situation ongoing
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Current situation
Domestic and foreign military forces have surrounded the Splendid Hotel as the siege continues to
unfold. While a hostage situation is underway, sporadic gunfire has been heard from inside the hotel.
A UN spokesperson has said they do not believe any UN staffers were staying at the hotel at the time
of the attack. Burkina 24, a local media outlet, had confirmed security forces were preparing to
intervene three hours after the attack began in the capital. However, current news reports suggest
security forces have not yet reached the hostages. While French forces have reportedly arrived at the
hotel, reports have emerged of additional assistance from US security forces.
The French embassy has said a warning message will be sent to French nationals in Burkina Faso to
alert them of the current situation. US and French authorities have both confirmed a curfew has been
enforced from 2300 to 0600 local time.
Outlook
The SITE Intelligence Group reported AQIM claimed responsibility for the attack via an encrypted
telephone statement. The incident is the first recent Islamist attack to occur in Burkina Faso, where
threats from such groups have been apparent in neighbouring countries. On 20 November 2015 AlMourabitoun and AQIM conducted a similar attack in Bamako, targeting the Radisson Blu hotel and
killing 20 victims in a mass shooting. Approximately 170 people were also held hostage at the hotel,
also frequented by foreign nationals.
Given the demonstrated capability of Al-Mourabitoun and AQIM in the region, coupled with aims to
target foreign nationals, the threat of further similar attacks remains possible. French troops of Op
BARKHANE, a force based in Chad actively fighting Islamist militants across the Sahel, have been
known to stay at the hotel suggesting Islamist militants targeted this attack in retaliation. While
Burkina Faso have their own security forces, French security forces have a significant presence in the
country with 200 Special Forces troops on the ground.
In December a senior member of AQIM had threatened attacks in the region, including in Burkina
Faso. The region continues to face an Islamist terrorist threat by groups including AQIM, AlMourabitoun and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA). There is a high threat of
other terrorist groups also entering Burkina Faso from neighbouring countries including Mali, Niger
and Ghana.
Traveller safety and advice
• Travellers are advised to shelter in place unless instructed otherwise by security forces or
authorities
• French and US embassies have advised of a curfew in place from 2300 to 0600 UTC
• For further information travellers are advised to contact their national embassies and regularly
check for news updates as the situation can change quickly on the ground
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