Armed ViolenceNews

Search Operations Ongoing After Terrorists Kill 22 Civilians In Burkina Faso

Following a deadly Jihadi attack that killed more than 22 persons, Burkina Faso's military has engaged in search and rescue operations for other injured victims.

Military search and rescue operations have continued in the Kossi province of northwestern Burkina Faso after terrorists killed at least 22 civilians in a Jihadi attack that began late Sunday night and ended early Monday morning, July 4.

The regional governor of the area, Babo Pierre Bassinga, said in a statement that the “barbaric and cowardly” attack saw many injured and displaced. Military forces have already been deployed to search for and rescue other victims, he said.

The attack came just days after neighbouring Togo declared a state of emergency in its border area due to the spread of insecurity from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Deadly terrorist attacks led to the killing of at least 50 civilians in June 2022, in Seytenga commune, Seno province, which is located in borderlands where fighters affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic States are engaged in battle. 


Jihadist operations in Africa have also increased, with the Islamic States urging fighters to relocate to the continent after repeatedly declaring it a land of hijira (migration) and Jihad. Other Al-Qaeda affiliates on the continent have also increased operations and are competing with IS fighters for territorial control. 

Analysts have argued that military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso have opened new windows of instability in the Sahel region, displacing nearly two million people and killing thousands.

According to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), authorities in Burkina Faso control only 60% of the country. They added that the country is dealing with a multifaceted crisis, including security, humanitarian, political, and socioeconomic issues.

Between February and May 2022, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project recorded 530 violent attacks in the country, which is more than what was recorded in the same period in 2021. 


Support Our Journalism

There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.

To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.

Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.

Donate Here

Of course, we want our exclusive stories to reach as many people as possible and would appreciate it if you republish them. We only ask that you properly attribute to HumAngle, generally including the author's name, a link to the publication and a line of acknowledgement. Contact us for enquiries or requests.

Contact Us

Aliyu Dahiru

Aliyu is an Assistant Editor at HumAngle and Head of the Radicalism and Extremism Desk. He has years of experience researching misinformation and influence operations. He is passionate about analysing jihadism in Africa and has published several articles on the topic. His work has been featured in various local and international publications.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Translate »