Burkina Faso: Militant attacks kills seven in Banh (Loroum province) May 18

Event

On Monday, May 18, suspected jihadist militants launched an attack against a military detachment in Banh commune (Loroum province). According to reports, at least seven people, including two soldiers and five civilians, were killed during the attack which took place during a patrol mission in the area. The civilians were defense volunteers assisting the military in the area and a further four were reportedly injured during the ambush.  

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 have frequently been targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions since 2015; causing the death of more than 850 individuals and displacing nearly 840,000. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), as well as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

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.