Four attackers killed in assault in Burkina Faso's capital: Govt

Armed assailants attacked several targets in Burkina Faso's capital on Friday, including the army headquarters and the French embassy, in a coordinated assault that France's ambassador to the West African region called a terrorist attack.

It was the third major attack in Ouagadougou in just over two years. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but previous attacks were conducted by allies of al Qaeda in reprisal for Burkina Faso's participation in a regional fight against Islamist militants.

A Burkina Faso government statement said four gunmen were "neutralised" at the French embassy, adding that operations were continuing and there was no immediate information on civilian casualties.
The defence minister said three assailants were killed at the army headquarters.
Witnesses said masked gunmen attacked the downtown army headquarters at around 10 a.m. (1000 GMT).