DHAKA: At least 18 people were killed and 10 others wounded after a number of assailants attacked a restaurant in Burkina Faso around 9:00 pm local time Sunday.

The attack took place in Ouagadougou, the capital of the West African nation, the government confirmed in a statement. It's not known how many attackers were involved, although a press release from the government reported two were killed, reports the CNN. 

So far, no claim of responsibility has been made.

Attackers barricaded themselves in the Istanbul restaurant on Avenue Kwame Nkrumah in the center of the city, state media RTB reports, citing authorities. The operation by security forces ended at 5:00 am Monday morning.

Burkina Faso Communications Minister Remis Dandjinou called the raid a “terrorist attack,” and said the victims were from a number of countries. Efforts are underway to identify the bodies so the authorities can inform their families.

State media RTB reported that two “terrorists” had been killed.

After the attack, a security perimeter was established by the Defense and Security forces and all roads leading up to the Ouagadougou International Airport were closed. The injured were taken to the Yalgado Ouédraogo hospital center, according to the government statement.

The government sent condolences to the families of the dead and requested that citizens “remain calm and respect... safety instructions.”

The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging its citizens to stay away from the area. It also offered its condolences to the victims' families and said that it “stands by” the Burkino Faso government “during this painful time.”

Burkina Faso -- then known as Upper Volta -- was a French colony until 1960.

BDST: 1710 HRS, AUG 14, 2017
AP