Militants dead after coordinated attack in Burkina Faso

Government security officials on Friday killed at least four extremists in Burkina Faso after they staged coordinated attacks on the French Embassy and the army headquarters in the capital city of Ouagadougou. Communications minister Remy Danjuinou confirmed the deaths and said it is still unclear whether other militants are on the run. Gunfire and explosions rocked Ouagadougou early in the day as security officials tried to respond to the attacks. Witnesses said five people who arrived at the French Embassy in a pickup truck shouted, “Allahu Akbar,” and opened fire. The region of the city also houses the United Nations and the prime minister’s offices. Thick smoke rose from the army headquarters and witnesses reported hearing loud explosions for hours. Danjuinou said the explosions subsided by midday and people started to leave their offices. Officials have not yet confirmed any deaths or injuries. Islamic militants have not staged many attacks in Ouagadougou in recent years. In 2016, at least 30 people died when extremists attacked a cafe frequented by foreigners. In August, 18 people died when militants opened fire on a restaurant.