Burkina Faso: Militants attack police post in Yendéré November 30-December 1

Event

A group of unidentified gunmen attacked a police post in Yendéré (Cascades region), located near the border with Côte d'Ivoire overnight (local time) on Saturday, November 30 - Sunday, December 1, injuring two people. According to security officials, significant infrastructure damages were also reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar attacks targeting security forces or civilians are possible in the near term.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions on January 1, to remain in effect until January 12, 2020.

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are especially targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions. 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.