UN chief slams heinous terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso

People gather outside the Splendid Hotel in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, Jan 16, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

UNITED NATIONS - The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned the heinous terrorist attacks carried out on Friday in Burkina Faso's capital which resulted in 28 deaths and many other people wounded, said a statement of Ban's spokesman.

The UN chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and Government of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured, it said.

Twenty-eight people have been killed and many others wounded after the Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) attacked the Splendid Hotel and took hostages there Friday. Security forces have freed 126 hostages and killed four attackers on Saturday.

Ban reiterated the full support of the United Nations to the authorities of Burkina Faso and stands in solidarity with the country and the region in its fight against terrorism, it said.

Moreover, he called on the authorities to do their utmost to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice promptly, it said.

The 28 victims are from 18 nationalities while dozens others are receiving treatment in major hospitals in Ouagadougou, said the ministry.

The Splendid Hotel, not far from the capital city's international airport, often hosts Westerners, including UN staff and journalists.