Deadly attack in Burkina Faso: At Least 100 Killed in Al-Qaida Linked Jihadist Assault
At least 100 villagers and soldiers lost their lives in a brutal attack on a village in central Burkina Faso at the weekend, perpetrated by Al-Qaeda-linked jihadis. The horrific incident has been described as one of the deadliest this year in the conflict-battered West African nation.
According to reports, villagers in the Barsalogho commune, 80 km from the capital city, were helping security forces dig trenches to protect villages and security outposts when fighters with the al-Qaida-linked JNIM group invaded the area on Saturday. The attackers opened fire on the villagers and security forces, leaving the region in a state of terror.
The attack was claimed by Al-Qaida, which stated that they gained “total control over a militia position” in Barsalogho. In a statement, the group mentioned that the town of Kaya was used as a strategic location to fight against the spread of jihadis towards the capital Ouagadougou.
Regional experts have expressed shock at the intensity of the attack, with at least 100 bodies counted in videos of the event. The Associated Press was able to review the videos, which showed dead bodies piled beside trenches and shovels amid gunshots.
Burkina Faso’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, confirmed the violence and said that the government responded with air and ground support. He also indicated that soldiers and civilians were among those killed, without providing an exact tally.
The attack has sparked widespread anger and concern, with the government vowing to protect lives and provide medical aid to those affected. The country has been wracked by growing violence, with about half outside of government control. The jihadis, linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, have killed thousands and displaced millions, making it one of the most neglected crises in the world.
The violence contributed to two coups in 2022, with the military junta promised to end the attacks. However, efforts have been hampered by a lack of efficient air cover and intelligence, as well as ineffective control of areas bordering Mali and Niger.
Human rights abuses committed by both security forces and the civilian task force, Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), have also led to recruitment by the jihadis, according to Sahel specialist Wassim Nasr.
The incident highlights the increasing complexity of the crisis in Burkina Faso, which requires a comprehensive and strategic response to address the root causes of violence.
