Burkina Faso: Militant attacks in Loroum province kill ten June 26-27

Event

At least ten people were killed in two separate attacks by militants in Loroum province (Nord region) on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. In the first incident, on Friday unidentified armed men attacked a patrol of the auxiliary volunteer group the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) near Sollé as they were returning from a supply station in Titao. At least six members of the VDP were killed in the attack and an unconfirmed number of assailants were also killed. On Saturday, at least four civilians were killed when they were aboard a cart which struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in Ingane.

Two further security incidents were reported in Boucle du Mouhoun region on Friday. On Friday morning (local time) armed men commandeered a number of 4x4 vehicles from a company working on the Tougan Di road in Naré. An overnight attack was also launched by militants in Torokoto in the rural commune of Barani.

Further militant attacks are possible in both regions over the near term.

Context

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.