19 Jun 2020 | 11:50 AM UTC
Côte d’Ivoire: Dozens arrested amid ongoing security operations in Tchologo region June 18 /update 1
At least 27 detained amid security operations in Tchologo region as of June 18 following attack on border post; further security operations likely in near term
Event
Military sources claimed on Thursday, June 18, that at least 27 people have been arrested in recent days amid ongoing security operations in the northern Tchologo region near the border with Burkina Faso. The operation was launched on Friday, June 12, following the attack on a border post in the town of Kafolo the previous day in which at least 12 Ivorian soldiers were killed. Hundreds of additional security forces personnel, as well as air support assets, have been deployed to the area following the attack, which came amid a joint Ivorian-Burkinabe operation against suspected militants in the border region. As well as the arrests, unspecified equipment and communications devices were also reported to have been seized since Friday. However, it remains unclear whether security forces have been able to identify and locate the group responsible for the Kafolo attack.
Further security operations are likely in the Tchologo region in the near term.
Context
There have been increasing concerns over the alleged presence of Islamist militants in northern Cote d'Ivoire since 2019. Although the country has seen few major attacks compared to many of its neighbors in recent years, militant groups are believed to maintain a presence in areas north of the Comoé national park, close to the border with Burkina Faso. Several security operations have been launched in the region over the last year, but consular authorities continue to warn against travel to areas along the border.
Advice
Those in the Tchologo region are advised to monitor local media sources and multi-source intelligence advisories in order to remain apprised of developments and security operations. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of situational awareness and minimize time spent in areas at increased risk of attack, including government offices, checkpoints, and security installations. Any suspicious activity should be reported to local authorities.
