Burkina Faso: Death toll rises in militant ambush on military convoy in Oudalan province November 11 /update 1

Event

Militants ambushed a Burkina Faso Armed Forces convoy between Tin Akoff and Beldiabe in Oudalan province on Wednesday, November 11, killing 14 soldiers and wounding eight others. Reports indicate that security forces have been deployed to locate those responsible for the attack and retrieve security personnel believed to be missing following the attack. An unconfirmed security source reported that ten of the perpetrators of the attack were killed in an ensuing gunfight. 

Further attacks are likely in the Sahel region over the near term.

Context

Militants in Burkina Faso often target educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces in attacks. 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

Due to the high threat of militancy, travel to Burkina Faso should be subject to a thorough localized threat assessment and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider. Members are advised to subject all travel, particularly to remote and rural areas, to strict journey management protocols. Avoid traveling at night, vary routines and maintain a heightened sense of situational awareness. Monitor local media sources to remain apprised of security-related developments and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities.