26 Feb 2024 | 03:28 PM UTC
Burundi: Rebel group claims responsibility for attack in Buringa, Bubanza Province, overnight Feb. 25-26
Red Taraba rebels claim responsibility for attack in Buringa, Bubanza Province, Burundi, overnight Feb. 25-26. Increased security likely.
The Red Taraba rebel group has claimed responsibility for an attack in the Buringa area, Bubanza Province, near the shared border with DRC, overnight Feb 25-26. There are conflicting casualty tolls. While rebels said they assaulted military positions leaving six soldiers dead, government officials announced that the attack left at least nine people dead, including one soldier. Media reports suggest that up to 10 civilians and five soldiers have been killed. Unconfirmed accounts by locals allege that the assailants were dressed as Burundian soldiers and arrived from DRC.
This follows the closure of the Rwanda-Burundi land border on Jan. 11 after Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye alleged in late December that Rwanda aids the rebel group, which has also claimed responsibility for a Dec. 22 attack in Vugizo, Burundi, near the Burundi-DRC border, that killed at least 20 people; Rwanda has denied Ndayishimiye's claims. The closure remains in place as of Feb. 26.
Officials will likely maintain a heavy security presence in the vicinity of the incident and the nearby border areas over the coming days; associated movement restrictions are likely. Red Tabara militants may also launch further attacks in the near term.
Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in and around the impacted locations. Exercise increased vigilance while operating in the vicinity of the border area. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Heed instructions from authorities.
Red Tabara is opposed to the central government. It became active in 2015 and is based in the neighboring DRC's South Kivu Province. It is one of the most active Burundian rebel groups and carries out attacks regularly.
