Burkina Faso: Unidentified militants kill five in two attacks in north October 19

Event

Unidentified militants carried out two attacks on Burkinabe security forces around 03:00 (local time) on Saturday, October 19. The assailants reportedly killed five people, including four soldiers and one police officer, and wounded 11 others in Bahn (Loroum province) and Yense (Yatenga province) before being repelled by security forces.

Similar militant attacks targeting security forces are possible in northern Burkina Faso over the near term.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions, including Est region, on January 1.

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are specifically targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions, including eastern Burkina Faso (Est region) which is also known for high crime rates. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation, obey local regulations (e.g. state of emergency orders), and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.

Due to severe threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including the capital Ouagadougou - 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, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.