Burkina Faso: Militants kill eight soldiers in Nord Region May 11

Event

Militants ambushed a Burkinabe military patrol in Kankanfogou (Nord Region), killing eight soldiers, on Monday, May 11. According to media sources, the soldiers were patrolling along the border with Niger when the attack occurred.

Further militant attacks targeting security forces are likely in the medium term.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces have frequently been targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions since 2015; causing the death of more than 850 individuals and displacing nearly 840,000. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), as well as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments relating to the security situation, obey local regulations (e.g. state-of-emergency orders), and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity. Due to 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 items or activity to the authorities.