Burkina Faso: Militants kill 11 in Soum Province December 25

Event

A group of militants assaulted a security forces detachment unit in Hallalé village, (Soum province, North region) overnight (local time) on Tuesday through to Wednesday, December 24-25. According to military officials, five attackers and 11 soldiers lost their lives in the fighting.

Similar attacks are possible in Soum province in the near term.

Context

This attack took place hours after the Arbinda attack that left at least 35 civilians dead in the same province.

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions 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 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 relating 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.