APA-Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) The death toll on government troops has increased as jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso intensify in recent weeks.
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, a military detachment in Ouragou, in the east of the country, was the target of a “large-scale complex and attack,” the General Staff of the army reported.
The army explained that the fighting was “particularly intense” and that the soldiers of the detachment showed “remarkable determination in the face of an enemy that came in very large numbers.”
Units were called in to reinforce. Although before they arrived, the soldiers were able to neutralise at least 40 of the attackers.
On the army side, “thirty-three (33) of our soldiers unfortunately were killed, while 12 others were wounded,” the statement said.
The deployment of reinforcements has enabled the evacuation of the wounded who are currently being treated by the health services, the Burkinabe army added.
Security incidents have multiplied in recent weeks in several regions of the country.
At least 40 soldiers and their civilian deputies were killed on April 15, 2023, in an attack near Ouahigouya in the northern region.
The response, conducted by ground troops and the airforce, neutralised more than 50 assailants.
In this context, the army is facing accusations of human rights violations in the northern town of Karma, where it is alleged to have committed abuses against the civilian population.
An investigation has been opened. The government spoke out on Thursday, condemning the massacre, which, according to the Economic Community of West African States, can be described as genocide.
DS/ac/fss/as/APA