Burkina Faso: 1st arrests in hotel attack that killed 30

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) - Burkina Faso security officials say they have made the first arrests linked to a January attack on a hotel and cafe that killed 30 people in the capital of the West African country.

A statement Wednesday said the six foreigners arrested Tuesday "have hosted and facilitated the terrorists' actions," but it is not clear whether any of those arrested took part in the attacks on the Ouagadougou businesses frequented by Westerners.

The attack was the first of its kind in Burkina Faso's capital and raised fears about the spread of extremism.

The statement says the attack's mastermind remains at large.

Al-Qaida's North Africa branch claimed responsibility for the attack. It also has claimed responsibility for the March 13 attack on a popular tourist resort in neighboring Ivory Coast.