More than 60 hostages have been freed after security forces launched an assault on a hotel in Burkina Faso which was attacked by suspected Islamist militants, the Sky News reported.

At least 20 people are reported to have been killed after gunmen stormed the Splendid Hotel in the capital Ouagadougou.

A government minister said at least 10 bodies were found inside a cafe near the hotel.

Commandos launched the counter-assault more than five hours after the hotel was targeted.

Among the 63 hostages freed is a government minister, according to the country's communications minister Remis Dandjinou.

He said that 33 of those rescued are wounded, and that French special forces are supporting the operation.

Witnesses said the hotel caught fire after security forces used explosives to enter the building to try and free those trapped. Several cars outside the hotel were also in flames.

Reports said four or five gunmen launched the attack on the hotel, firing into the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived, prompting an intense exchange of gunfire.

Al Qaeda of Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The hotel is popular with westerners and United Nations staff and often used by French troops with Operation Barkhane, a force based in Chad and set up to combat Islamist militants across Africa's vast, arid Sahel region.

Burkina Faso, a largely Muslim country, has endured bouts of political turmoil since 2014 when veteran President Blaise Compaore was overthrown in a popular protest.

But the country has been largely spared violence by Islamist militants who have staged attacks in neighboring Mali.

Source: MENA