Burkina Faso: Gunmen kill three soldiers in Kelbo (Soum province) February 18

Event

According to security sources, unidentified armed men suspected to be jihadist militants attacked a military detachment in Kelbo (Soum province) in the early morning hours (local time) on Tuesday, February 18. Three Burkinabe soldiers were killed in the assault.

Further attacks remain possible over the near term.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency in 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 frequently targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread across other areas.

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.