Burkina Faso: Militants ambush a police vehicle in Loroum province March 12

Event

Suspected jihadist militants ambushed a police vehicule traveling from the Bahn district to the town of Ouahigouya, loacated in Loroum province (North region) on Tuesday, March 12, killing the police chief of Bahn. Further such attacks are likely in the near term.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions, including in Loroum province, on January 1.

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are specifically targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions, including eastern Burkina Faso (Est region) which is also known for high crime rates. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation in northern Burkina Faso and applicable regulations (e.g. state of emergency orders) and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.

Due to the severe 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, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.