Story highlights Security forces launch attack on gunmen who took hostages in Burkina Faso hotel, state media says

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed credit for the attack, reports Mauritania-based news agency

Gunmen entered the Splendid Hotel late Friday and took hostages, Burkina Faso state media says

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (CNN) Security forces in Burkina Faso launched an assault against gunmen who took hostages at the Splendid Hotel in the nation's capital, Burkinabe state broadcaster RTB said early Saturday.

Gunfire was no longer heard about an hour after the soldiers attacked, an RTB reporter at the scene said, but authorities did not immediately say if the siege had ended.

At least 20 people were wounded, RTB said. There were no immediate details about deaths but several bodies were seen outside the hotel, Burkinabe police said.

About 15 hostages were freed by security forces, RTB reported, including the country's public sector minister.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb immediately claimed credit for the assault that had similarities to a November hotel attack in nearby Mali that left 22 dead, reported a Mauritania-based news agency. CNN could not independently confirm that claim.

Read More