Burkina Faso: Militants kill three in Soum province April 24

Event

Islamist militants killed three people in Niafo village (Soum province) on Tuesday, April 24. Those killed included a member of a self-defense group, the village chief, and his son. According to local officials, the militants specifically target security forces. Additional Islamist militant attacks on local officials and security forces are possible in Soum province and northern Burkina Faso in the coming days.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the Sahel region, since 2015. Over 80 attacks and more than 130 related deaths have been recorded in the area. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam 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 recently increased.

Advice

Several Western governments advise against all travel to areas of the northern Sahel region in Burkina Faso, particularly areas within 40 km (25 mi) of the Malian border. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to traveling to such areas. More generally, individuals across the country are advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners due to the latent risk of terrorist activity and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.