Burkina Faso: Situation in Ouagadougou contained early Aug. 14 after attack /update 2

Event

The attack on a restaurant in the capital city of Ouagadougou, which began at approximately 21:00 (local time) on the evening of Sunday, August 13, was declared over by Burkinabe officials at around 05:00 on August 14. The incident began when at least three gunmen opened fire on people outside the Hotel Bravia and the Aziz Istanbul Restaurant, located on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility, officials have labeled the incident a "terrorist attack." The current casualty count stands at 18 killed and approximately ten wounded, with officials stating that multiple foreign nationals are among the victims; further details on the specific nationalities of those affected are not currently available. Emerging reports have indicated that two to three attackers were "neutralized." Unconfirmed accounts indicated there may have been an unknown number of hostages also held inside the restaurant; it is unclear whether all hostages have been released. 

In addition, authorities have reportedly closed Ouagadougou Airport as a precaution, given the attack site's close proximity to the airport. It is unclear when normal airport operations will resume. Flight disruptions should be expected in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in Ouagadougou are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the vicinity of the attack, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the borders.