Somalia: Al Shabaab kill 17 in beach restaurant attack

At least 17 people were killed when Islamist gunmen struck a popular beachside restaurant in the Somali capital of Mogadishu late on 21 January, Somali police said. Al Shabaab, a militant group aligned with al Qaeda, said its members set off two car bombs at the Beach View Cafe on Mogadishus popular Lido beach, engaging in a gun battle for hours with government troops trying to flush them out. Jan 22, 2016

Isis in Iraq: Roughly 3,500 held in slavery according to UN

An estimated 3,500 people, mainly women and children, are believed to be held as slaves in Iraq by Islamic State (Isis) militants who impose a harsh rule marked by gruesome public executions, the United Nations said on 19 January. The militant group, which also controls large parts of neighbouring Syria, is also responsible for over 18,000 deaths in Iraq since January 2014, according to the report. But despite the high numbers the true figures are likely to be much higher, according to a UNHCR spokesperson. Jan 19, 2016

Burkina Faso attack: Troops rescue 100 hostages after ending hotel siege

Burkina Television (RTB) showed security forces during the operation to end a siege at Ouagadougou Splendid Hotel by al Qaeda fighters to the sound of explosions and heavy gunfire on 16 January. A military armoured emergency vehicle drove several times to the side of the hotel during the operation to rescue hostages. Jan 16, 2016

Burkina Faso: Video shows security forces battling Islamist gunmen

Security forces battled suspected Islamist fighters on 15 January, who were holding hostages at a hotel used by foreigners in Burkina Fasos capital, gendarmes and witnesses said. The gunmen stormed the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougous business district, burning cars outside and firing in the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived, prompting an intense exchange of gunfire. Jan 16, 2016