Burkina Faso: Militant attack kills five soldiers in Sollé (Loroum province) April 9

Event

Suspected jihadist militants launched an attack against a detachment of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces in Sollé (Loroum province) on Thursday, April 9. Militants arrived in the town of Sollé on armed vehicles and began attacking the military detachment. Five soldiers were killed and three others were injured in the incident; another four are reportedly missing.

Further militant attacks targeting security forces are possible in the region over the near term.

Context

A state of emergency remains in place in the Est and Sahel regions, the western provinces of Kossi and Sourou, the central-eastern province of Koulpélogo, the western province of Kénédougou and northern province of Loroum. The state of emergency is in effect until January 12, 2021.

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 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.