Burkina Faso: Militants attack gendarmerie in Kelbo (Soum province) Jan. 5

Event

Unidentified militants attacked a Burkinabé gendarmerie in Kelbo (Soum province) late on Friday, January 5 (local time). According to local sources, one militant was killed and another wounded by Burkinabé security forces before the militants fled the scene. Additional militant attacks on security forces are possible in Burkina Faso's Sahel region in the coming weeks.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile northern Sahel region. Terrorist attacks are usually attributed to the Ansarul Islam group and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Meanwhile, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also increased.

Advice

Due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (31 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the border.