23 Jul 2024 | 01:24 PM UTC
Togo: Al-Qaeda affiliate claims attack at the border area with Burkina Faso on July 20
Attack claimed by Al-Qaeda affiliate on July 20 highlights persistent threat in northern Togo. State of emergency remains in force.
Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for an attack against the Kpekpakandi army outpost near the Burkina Faso border during the afternoon of July 20. The assault involved several hundred assailants with multiple vehicles and mortar support. Officials sent reinforcement, enabling security forces to regain control of the area early July 21. Several soldiers and militants were killed.
Military operations are ongoing along the border with Burkina Faso. Local security measures in response to the incident could include enhanced movement restrictions, vehicle checks, or curfews. Further armed clashes against the security forces or civilian population are possible in the near term.
Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling near the border area. If operating in Savanes, do not discuss plans and routes publicly, vary routes and times of travel, and consider the use of secure transport. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
A state of security emergency remains in place in the northern Savanes Region bordering Burkina Faso through at least March 13, 2025. The measure was first implemented in June 2022, following a string of attacks targeting security personnel. The government has announced that terrorism-related incidents, including ambushes and bombings, have left at least 31 people killed, 29 injured, and three unaccounted for in 2023. President Faure Gnassingbe previously announced in April 2023 that attacks left at least 100 civilians and 40 soldiers killed since 2021.
