Suspected jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso have resulted in dozens of casualties among both soldiers and civilians over the past week, according to security and local sources. At least four attacks have been reported targeting military contingents since last Sunday, primarily in the restive northern region of the country.
On Saturday, a significant assault occurred on the military base at Nouna in the northwest, where a large group of heavily armed terrorists targeted the facility. The clash resulted in “several victims,” including both military and civilian casualties. Another nearly simultaneous attack was reported on a different northern detachment but was successfully repelled.
Additional attacks on military bases occurred on December 24, with one targeting the Solle detachment. Although several casualties were recorded, the troops’ bravery and swift response helped repel the attackers. Air strikes were reportedly conducted against the retreating jihadists. The December 24 attack has been claimed by the GSIM jihadist alliance, linked to Al-Qaeda, which asserted that approximately 60 soldiers were killed.
On the same day, a gendarmerie base in the northern Sahel region at Gorgadji was attacked by a sizable group of fighters arriving on motorcycles, according to a security source.
The escalating series of attacks underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Burkina Faso, particularly in its northern regions, where jihadist groups associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS operate. The attacks pose significant threats to both military and civilian populations, highlighting the persistent instability in the region.
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