Burkina Faso: Military operation in north highlights terrorist threat

Event

On Wednesday, July 18, the Burkinabe army announced that 60 suspected Islamist militants had been arrested, several jihadist bases dismantled, and ammunition seized during a military operation launched in the north on July 8. Three soldiers were wounded during the operation.

Furthermore on Wednesday, unidentified armed men killed two people in Hocoulourou (Soum province; northern Sahel region), including the village chief, highlighting the persisting jihadist threat in the area. 

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the northern Sahel region, since 2015. Around 100 attacks and more than 100 related deaths have been recorded in the area. Educational institutions have been targeted and around 200 schools have been forced to close due to the insurgency. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Meanwhile, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also recently increased.

Advice

Due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including the capital Ouagadougou - 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.