Witnesses in Burkina Faso's second largest city say troops have been sent into Bobo Dioulasso to end days of shooting and looting by soldiers in the commercial capital.

Residents report hearing heavy fighting after the military troops arrival on Friday morning.

Witnesses say forces surrounded the Ouezzin Coulibaly military camp where hundreds of soldiers staging the protests are based.

The town's siren sounded early Friday signaling residents to stay indoors.

The West African nation has seen a string of protests in recent months by soldiers, police, teachers and students. Until now, most of those demonstrations have taken place in the capital, Ouagadougou.

The unrest began in February with protests against rising food prices, crime and slow government reform.

The protests mark the most significant uprising to date against the government of President Blaise Compaore, who has ruled the nation for nearly 25 years.

Mr. Compaore seized power in a 1987 coup and was re-elected to another term last November.