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Gunfire near French embassy in Burkina Faso capital - reports Explosion, gunfire near Burkina Faso army HQ a terrorist attack – French ambassador (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
(35 minutes later)
Gunfire followed by an explosion has been heard at the army headquarters in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, reports Reuters. The army HQ is located close to the French embassy. An explosion and gunfire at the army headquarters in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou has been described as a terrorist attack by the French ambassador. The army HQ is located close to his country's embassy.
Black smoke was seen billowing from a burning building at the scene Friday, according to a witness. It’s not yet clear what caused the blast. Masked gunmen with backpacks attacked guards at the entrance to the army HQ on Friday following the initial explosion, according to a Reuters eyewitness. It’s not yet clear what caused the blast, who is behind the attack, or if there have been any injuries.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW However, France’s ambassador to Africa’s Sahel region, Jean-Marc Châtaigner, called the explosion a “terrorist attack” on Twitter and told people to avoid the downtown area. "Terrorist attack this morning in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso: solidarity with colleagues and Burkinabe friends," Jean-Marc Châtaigner wrote.
Live footage from the scene on Friday showed black smoke billowing from a burning building near embassies, while gunfire rang out in the background. The area of the explosion is surrounded by government buildings and embassies.
The US embassy has advised people to “seek secure shelter” amid reports of gunfire in the downtown area.