Eight terrorists that attacked Ouagadougou have been eliminated, seven members of Burkina security forces and about 30 civilians have been killed in attacks, according to AFP, citing three security sources.
"France's embassy and cultural institute in the Burkina Faso capital are no longer in danger," an aide to Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian said.
The Special Forces are continuing operations, according to the government statement. Souro Sanou, an official at the hospital in the capital, said that several people have been wounded.
"The situation is under control at French diplomatic premises," in Burkina Faso's capital, which came under attack Friday, a French foreign ministry source said.
An armed attack is underway in downtown Ouagadougou near the prime minister's office and UN roundabout, says the Burkina Faso Police.
Burkina Faso police director general says capital is being attacked by suspected Islamic extremists. Gunshots have been intermittent and helicopters are now flying near the embassy.
The police said security units have been deployed to the scene and have urged people to stay away from the area.
#BurkinaFaso: Panic and people rushing in the area of #France's Embassy in #Ouagadougou pic.twitter.com/LGNxBfDY5s
— MENASTREAM (@MENASTREAM) March 2, 2018
Previously, the French Embassy in Burkina Faso had announced that it was under attack and was asking people to stay in their homes. Later the information was amended to say that it wasn't clear which locations were being targeted in the attack.
"Terrorist attack this morning in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: solidarity with colleagues and Burkinabe friends," Jean-Marc Châtaigner wrote on Twitter, adding to avoid downtown Ouagadougou.
— Jean-Marc Châtaigner (@Jmchataigner) March 2, 2018
— Michel Wagner (@GraphiqueDBF) March 2, 2018Ouagadougou, #Burkina pic.twitter.com/6pp1xMpqFt
French President Macron is receiving updates on events in Burkina Faso, according to Elysee Palace.
The Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso is also asking residents to stay away from the downtown area of the city.
The Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso is closed. For consular emergency, please contact (+226) 25.49.08.00 or sos@international.gc.ca. Again, stay in a secure shelter and observe extreme caution.
— Canada in BFA (@CanEmbBFA) March 2, 2018
Confirmed reports of gunfire in downtown Ouagadougou in the vicinity of the Prime minister’s offices as well as the United Nations Rond-point. Avoid the area of downtown Ouagadougou. Seek secure shelter. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves.
— Canada in BFA (@CanEmbBFA) March 2, 2018
"The US embassy in Burkina Faso has received reports about gunfire in downtown Ouagadougou. Avoid the area and search for a safe place to stay," the US embassy wrote on Twitter.
@Usembassyouaga a reçu des informations faisant état de tirs dans le centre-ville de Ouagadougou. Evitez la zone. Cherchez un abri sécurisé. Surveillez les médias locaux pour les mises à jour. Consultez cette page pour plus de mises à jour de la part de l'ambassade #Lwili pic.twitter.com/qkvKFNHMt7
— USEmbassyOuaga (@Usembassyouaga) March 2, 2018
Information on the cause of the explosion and possible victims has not been provided.
— Xavier Lapdecab (@XavierLapdecab) March 2, 2018
L'ambassade de #France au Burkina Faso confirme l'attaque en cours à Ouagadougou #Burkina #lwili #AttacksOuaga pic.twitter.com/xaKHc78Pg9
— Dieudonné LANKOANDE (@Dieuson1) March 2, 2018
Twitter users are posting that shots and explosions heard came from the area near the French Embassy and French institute.
Imágenes zona de ataque en #BurkinaFaso pic.twitter.com/tfvs2QovVm
— InfoEmergencias (@InfoEmerg) March 2, 2018
Attention si vous êtes à Ouagadougou ce matin. Des tirs et explosions entendus du côté de l’état major proche de l’ambassade de France et institut français #burkinafaso
— Diaby Mohamed (@diabymohamed) March 2, 2018
— Warfare Analysis (SHR) (@NatsecPack) March 2, 2018
— M'BUZE Momi (@MomiMbuze) March 2, 2018
— Wassim Nasr (@SimNasr) March 2, 2018
#attaque #ambassade de #France #Burkina des renforts de l’armée française et Burkinabè #terrorisme pic.twitter.com/V8z3o1IYh8
— Jean-Baptiste Dipama (@jbdipama) March 2, 2018
According to witnesses, five armed men got out of a car and opened fire on passersby before heading towards French embassy. Others said there was an explosion near the Burkinabe military headquarters.
Islamist militants have gained a stronger foothold in Africa's vast Sahel region over the last few years, launching attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Niger.
Suspected jihadists killed at least 18 people last August during a raid on a restaurant in Ouagadougou, and militants have targeted Burkinabe security forces along its remote northern border region with Mali.
