SITE Intelligence Group: Al Qaeda Claims Attack on Burkina Faso Hotel

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — The SITE Intelligence Group reports that an al-Qaida affiliate is claiming responsibility for the ongoing siege on an upscale hotel and cafe in Burkina Faso's capital where an unknown number of hostages are being held.

Islamic extremists struck the Splendid Hotel, forcing employees and guests to hide for their lives.

AHMED OUOBA/AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the local al-Qaida affiliate known as AQIM claimed responsibility as the attack was ongoing, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

The group issued its claim in Arabic on their "Muslim Africa" Telegram account, saying the attackers "are now entrenched and the clashes are continuing with the enemies of the religion."

Burkina Faso, a largely Muslim country, had previously been spared much of the extremist violence that has wracked neighboring Mali since 2012.

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