Foreign Office warning after 28 killed in hotel siege
British nationals are being told to avoid the area around a luxury hotel in the capital of Burkina Faso where a siege left 28 dead and 56 injured.
The UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond condemned Friday’s ‘appalling attack’ in Ouagadougou and offered his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
"We advise British nationals in Burkina Faso to avoid the area where the attack took place, follow the instructions of local security authorities and monitor FCO travel advice," he said.
Islamist militants stormed the Splendid Hotel, popular with foreign tourists, and took dozens hostage.
It is believed the victims come from at least 18 different countries and include Canadians, two French nationals and two Swiss.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which also targeted a nearby restaurant and the Yibi Hotel on the same street.
At least four attackers died, with some reports saying the militants included women.
David Scowsill, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, called it ‘another callous terrorist attack’.
"The threat of terrorism is a global challenge," he said.
"It is extremely important for governments and tourism business to continue to implement appropriate security measures.
"We must continue to support any country that is hit by one of these terrorist attacks. These incidents will not stop people traveling, as the world continues to go about its business."
In November, the same group, AQIM, attacked a hotel in Bamako, the capital of neighbouring Mali, leaving 19 people dead.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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