Gunmen have launched an attack in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, with the French embassy and a military HQ among the apparent targets.
Burkina Faso's government said four attackers had been killed at the embassy and at least two at the HQ.
Seven members of the security forces have been killed, officials say, with another six people wounded. Other reports put the death toll far higher.
A French source said the situation at the embassy was now under control.
It is unclear who is behind the attack but Burkina Faso Information Minister Remis Fulgance Dandjinou told state TV it had "strong overtones of terrorism".
Burkina Faso police have given an initial death toll of six attackers and seven security personnel, with another six people wounded, including two civilians.
However, security sources told AFP that at least 28 people were killed in the attack on the military HQ. This has not been confirmed.
Earlier, pictures from the scene showed a cloud of black smoke rising into the sky. Witnesses reported seeing armed men getting out of a car and opening fire before heading towards the embassy.
Ouagadougou Mayor Armand Béouindé told France's Le Monde newspaper that the attackers shot at the town hall and his office windows were shattered. "Apparently, it is a jihadist attack," he said, but gave no further details.
