Burkina Faso: Security operations ongoing in Ouagadougou March 2 /update 1

Event

Cordon and search operations were ongoing in the downtown area of the capital Ouagadougou as of 16:45 (local time) on Friday, March 2, following a series of coordinate attacks earlier in the day. Security officials confirmed that at least six attackers have been killed, along with seven members of security forces. Government officials announced that the situation is under control but it remains unclear if any of the attackers are still at large. The police confirmed that six other people, including two civilians, were also wounded; unconfirmed media sources reported that the number of wounded is around 50. Casualty figures will likely increase as further information is released in the coming hours.

French interests appear to have been the main target of the attacks, as one of the two assaults occurred near the French Embassy and the other near the French Institute (as well as the Army Headquarters). No group had claimed responsibility for the attacks as of 16:50. Details are still emerging.

Advice

Individuals in Ouagadougou are advised to, monitor the situation, avoid all travel in the area of the attacks (and continue to shelter in place if already in these areas), and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

More generally, due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso 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 (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the borders.