Burkina Faso: Dozens killed in Jihadist attack

Burkina Faso has witnessed another tragic militant attack, claiming the lives of dozens, including innocent civilians.

The brutal assault, attributed to jihadist rebels linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, occurred on Saturday in the village of Barsalogho, located in the north-central region of the country.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been grappling with a relentless insurgency from extremist groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of approximately two million people. The latest attack underscores the ongoing security crisis that continues to plague the nation.

Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo condemned the heinous act as “cowardly and barbaric,” denouncing the attackers as “hordes of criminals.”

He emphasized that the assault showed no mercy, targeting “women, children, the elderly, and men” alike.

A local resident recounted the harrowing details, stating that the violence erupted around 9:00 am when “terrorist groups attacked the village, resulting in numerous civilian and security personnel casualties.”

A security source, who requested anonymity, confirmed the grim toll, reporting “several dozen dead,” which included both civilians and security forces.

The aftermath of the attack saw many of the injured rushed to a hospital in the regional capital of Kaya, located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) away. A hospital source revealed that over 100 wounded individuals were admitted to the city’s largest medical center, prompting an urgent call for all available personnel to respond to the crisis.

As of now, no group has officially claimed responsibility for this latest attack. Eyewitness accounts suggest that many victims were “young civilians who had come out in large numbers to assist soldiers in digging trenches around the town for protection against potential attacks by armed terrorist groups.”

In a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, a second security source noted that the swift response from soldiers and auxiliary troops “neutralized several terrorists and prevented a greater tragedy.” However, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana lamented the loss of civilian lives, despite the presence of “a response and air support.” Tragically, soldiers and members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian force aiding the military, also faced casualties.

Since the September 2022 coup, Burkina Faso’s leadership has shifted its defense strategy, expelling French troops and diplomats in favor of military assistance from Russia, a move that has sparked both hope and concern among the populace.