Côte d'Ivoire: Militants killed in joint Ivorian-Burkinabe security operation near border May 24

Event

Ivorian military sources announced on Sunday, May 24, that at least eight suspected Islamist militants have been killed and dozens more arrested in recent days in a joint security operation with Burkinabe forces along the border between the two countries. The suspected militants were reportedly killed when security forces assaulted their camp in the Alidougou area on the Burkinabe side of the border, where equipment including vehicles, weapons, and communications devices was seized. However, Burkina Faso military sources had earlier stated that the operation occurred in Cote d'Ivoire.

The joint security operation was launched in the border region on May 11, with military patrols covering the area between the cities of Ferkessédougou in Cote d'Ivoire and Banfora in Burkina Faso. At least 24 suspected militants are reported to have been arrested in Burkina Faso during the operation and a further 14 on the Ivorian side of the border.

Further security operations are likely in the area in the medium term.

Context

There have been increasing concerns over the presence of Islamist militants in northern Cote d'Ivoire since 2019. Although the country has seen few major attacks compared to many of its neighbors in recent years, militant groups are believed to maintain a presence in areas north of the Comoé national park, close to the border with Burkina Faso. Several security operations have been launched in the region over the last year, but consular authorities continue to warn against travel to areas along the border.

Advice

Individuals in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to remain vigilant at all times, especially in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (markets, places of worship, diplomatic buildings or consulates, military sites, areas heavily frequented by Westerners, etc.) and to report any suspicious items or behavior to the authorities.