Aust couple kidnapped after Burkina Faso attack

Aust couple kidnapped after Burkina Faso attack

Terrorists have kidnapped an Australian doctor and his wife in the west African country of Burkina Faso.

The kidnapping coincides with the terror assault on a luxury hotel in the country's capital, where 28 people were killed, including six Canadians, two French and Swiss citizens and an American missionary.

Australian doctor Ken Elliot and his wife, Jocelyn, moved to west Africa more than 40 years ago. They opened a medical facility and worked as missionaries.

They've been kidnapped by militants, reportedly part of a group called The Emirate of the Sahara – linked to the terror network Al-Qaida.

It's not yet known why, but it's believed they are still alive.

As news of their kidnapping came out, hostages were rescued from the luxury hotel in the capital, where they'd been held by terrorists for 15 hours.

Burnt-out cars were in front of the Splendid Hotel, usually favoured by foreigners, but now a target for gunmen.

At least 28 people from 18 countries were killed.

One witness said the gunmen were shooting people at point-blank range and there was blood everywhere.

Another woman said she survived by playing dead. She said they shook people by the foot to see if they were alive, and if they were, they shot.

French special forces joined local troops to secure the area and rescue the hostages.

A total of 126 people were freed and taken to hospital, and 33 were badly injured.

Three attackers died in the raid, and a fourth was killed while fleeing to another hotel.

The country's president has condemned the attacks, calling them cowardly and vile.

Al-Qaida is claiming responsibility, saying it is "revenge against France and the disbelieving West".

3 News