Gunshots, explosions in Burkina Faso capital

By Felix Nkambeh Tih

ANKARA (AA) - Gunshots and explosions have been heard near the Prime Ministry in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the Burkina Be police said in a Facebook post on Friday.

"The attack concerns the following areas according to the first information available: around the Prime Ministry, the roundabout near United Nations," it said.

"Specialized units of defense and security forces are in action,’’ it said.

Police also urged the population to stay away from these areas.

"Avoid these areas as much as you can for now… you can help forces in action by giving information on any movement, individual, or suspicious behavior," it added.

''Confirmed reports of gunfire in downtown Ouagadougou in the vicinity of the Prime minister’s offices as well as the United Nations Rond-point. Avoid the area of downtown Ouagadougou. Seek secure shelter. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves,'' Canada Embassy tweeted.

The French Embassy urged the French to be cautious.

Last year, at least at least 20 people were killed and several others injured in an attack on a restaurant in Burkina Faso's capital.