A brutal attack by militants in Burkina Faso has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including civilians and security personnel. The incident occurred on Saturday in the village of Barsalogho, located in the north-central region of the country.
Multiple sources, including local residents and security officials, confirmed the attack and reported a heavy toll. The assailants, described as armed men, targeted the village indiscriminately, killing women, children, elderly, and men.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a relentless insurgency since 2015, with jihadist rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group carrying out widespread violence. The country has witnessed a surge in attacks, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of over two million people.
The government condemned the attack as a “cowardly and barbaric act” perpetrated by “hordes of criminals.” A local resident recounted the events, stating that the attack began around 9:00 am on Saturday, with the militants targeting civilians and security forces. The aftermath of the attack saw numerous wounded individuals transported to a hospital in Kaya, the regional capital.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, reports suggest that the victims were primarily young civilians who were assisting soldiers in digging trenches around the village to protect against potential attacks. Soldiers and members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian force supporting the military, were also among the casualties.
The attack highlights the dire security situation in Burkina Faso, which has been further exacerbated by the recent political turmoil. After a military coup in September 2022, the new government expelled French troops and diplomats, opting for closer ties with Russia for military assistance.
