Skip to main content
Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

10 bodies found in Burkina Faso cafe after al-Qaida attack

In this grab taken from video by Associate Press Television, two unidentified armed men approach a vehicle, near to a hotel, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. Attackers struck an upscale hotel popular with Westerners in Burkina Faso's capital late Friday, fueling the recent political turmoil in the West African country. Three hours later, gunfire could still be heard as soldiers in an armored vehicle finally approached the area. (Associated Press Television)
In this grab taken from video by Associate Press Television, two unidentified armed men approach a vehicle, near to a hotel, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. Attackers struck an upscale hotel popular with Westerners in Burkina Faso's capital late Friday, fueling the recent political turmoil in the West African country. Three hours later, gunfire could still be heard as soldiers in an armored vehicle finally approached the area. (Associated Press Television)

By Associated Press 1 min read

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) – A government minister says at least 10 bodies have been found inside a cafe that was attacked by the same al-Qaida militants who seized an upscale hotel in the capital about 10 hours ago.

Heavy gunfire, meanwhile, has erupted again early Saturday as French and Burkinabe forces worked to free an unknown number of hostages still held inside. Already some 33 people have made it to safety amid a siege launched by at least four gunmen.

Internal Affairs Minister Simon Compaore said the bodies are inside the Cappuccino Cafe, a restaurant that is located next to the Splendid Hotel.

The al-Qaida affiliate AQIM has claimed responsibility for the attack launched Friday evening. The same group was behind a similar assault on a hotel in Bamako, Mali back in November.