Burkina Faso's president reacts to recent terrorist attack calling it 'cowardly and vile'

Burkina Faso's president has called a terrorist attack on a hotel and cafe in the capital 'cowardly and vile'.

At least 27 people were killed when Islamist militants opened fire in the capital Ouagadougou.

150 hostages were rescued when troops stormed Hotel Splendid.

al-Qaida has claimed responsibility.

Officials say an operation continues at a second hotel in the capital.

Colonial studies expert Dr Berny Sèbb has said the group is vying for power: “That’s a way for al Qaida to reclaim the initiative against its competitors and it also reminds us that certainly in spite of the efforts made both by African countries and by international countries community there is still a real threat to the stability of the threat to the region.”

In a separate incident, authorities in Burkina Faso say two Austrian citizens - a doctor and his wife - have been kidnapped in the north of the country