04 Oct 2024 | 10:11 AM UTC
Togo: Attack leaves up to 19 dead at border area with Burkina Faso overnight Oct. 1-2
Unidentified assailants ambush soldiers in northern Togo at border area with Burkina Faso overnight Oct. 1-2. Further attacks possible.
Unidentified assailants ambushed soldiers patrolling near the Fanworgou locality at the border area with Burkina Faso overnight on Oct. 1-2. The soldiers were reportedly monitoring the construction of trenches designed to prevent the incursion of armed groups. Inital reports indicate the attack left up to 19 people dead, including nine soldiers, and 10 civilians employed by the company in charge of digging the trenches. While there has been no claim of responsibility as of yet, groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda are likely responsible. Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for an attack against an army outpost near the Burkina Faso border on July 20.
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 attacks 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. President Faure Gnassingbe previously announced in April 2023 that attacks left at least 100 civilians and 40 soldiers killed since 2021.
