Attack by presumed jihadists leaves 80 dead in Burkina Faso

Eighty people including 65 civilians, of which six were volunteers for the defence of the fatherland, and 15 soldiers were killed on Wednesday (18 August) during an attack by suspected jihadists against a military convoy escorting civilians in northern Burkina Faso, according to the last official report published on Thursday (19 August). A previous official report indicated, Thursday, 49 dead and 30 injured.

"A mixed convoy made up of civilians, elements of the defence and security forces (FDS) and volunteers for the defence of the fatherland (VDP) was the target of a terrorist attack 25km from the northern town of Gorgadji", announced the ministry of communication.

Additionally, security sources told the ministry that during the attack, the FDS "neutralised 58 terrorists and 19 were wounded on the loyalist side".

In the evening of the attack, president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré declared through an official decree a three-day national mourning from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 August, "in memory of the victims of the attack perpetrated by unidentified armed individuals".

"During this period, the flags are put at half mast on all public buildings and in representations of Burkina Faso abroad (...) popular celebrations, recreational events are prohibited", according to the text.

The commune of Gorgadji, where the murderous attack took place, is located in the Soum province in northern Burkina Faso. This zone is known as the “three borders” between Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, where levels of jihadist violence are extremely high. Only two days before the attack in Gorgadji, dozens of civilians were killed by suspected terrorists in western Niger, which is also part of the "three borders" zone.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies.
photo: Burkinabè soldier; Burkina Faso ministry of communication.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Turkiye and UK sign landmark security and defence agreement

Turkiye and UK sign landmark security and defence agreement

The UK and Türkiye, on Friday (25 November) agreed to work more closely together to help bring greater stability, security and prosperity to both nations. UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, signed a Statement of Intent on defence co-operation, with his Turkish counterpart, Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler. This will provide the framework for closer working to deliver additional activities that will benefit the security and prosperity of both countries and, in so doing, enhancing national, regional and international security. Following the signing, activity will see closer collaboration between both countries’ defence industries, the identification of possible joint training exercises in the Mediterranean, and the exploration of security support around North Africa and the Middle East. As well as discussing the need for de-escalation in the Middle East, the British Defence Secretary thanked his counterpart for utilising Türkiye’s influence as the gatekeeper to the Black Sea to enable the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to nations who need it most. There was strong agreement on the need to keep focused on our collective support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Turkiye and UK sign landmark security and defence agreement

Turkiye and UK sign landmark security and defence agreement

The UK and Türkiye, on Friday (25 November) agreed to work more closely together to help bring greater stability, security and prosperity to both nations. UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, signed a Statement of Intent on defence co-operation, with his Turkish counterpart, Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler. This will provide the framework for closer working to deliver additional activities that will benefit the security and prosperity of both countries and, in so doing, enhancing national, regional and international security. Following the signing, activity will see closer collaboration between both countries’ defence industries, the identification of possible joint training exercises in the Mediterranean, and the exploration of security support around North Africa and the Middle East. As well as discussing the need for de-escalation in the Middle East, the British Defence Secretary thanked his counterpart for utilising Türkiye’s influence as the gatekeeper to the Black Sea to enable the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to nations who need it most. There was strong agreement on the need to keep focused on our collective support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression.