An attack in eastern Burkina Faso has left several dozen soldiers and civilian auxiliaries dead, according to local and security sources on Sunday. The attack targeted an army detachment in Tapoa province on Friday and has left many others wounded. The region has been plagued by violence since 2015, with groups linked to the IS and Al-Qaeda responsible for much of the turmoil.
A security source stated that the army unit, stationed in the main city of Diapaga, was ambushed in a violent attack. Several regular soldiers and civilian volunteers were among the victims, with around 30 wounded security personnel evacuated to a hospital in Fada N’Gourma for treatment.
While the detachment was under attack, terrorists also targeted Diapaga, setting fire to shops and homes. Gunfire was heard around the town on the day following the assault.
The Burkinabe government has yet to release a statement on the attack. The eastern region has experienced similar violence in recent weeks, with two separate attacks earlier this month killing at least a dozen security forces and civilians.
In response to the ongoing violence, the government established a new rapid intervention battalion (BIR) in Diapaga earlier this year, which is supported by civilian volunteers, known as the VDP. However, the fight against insurgencies has drawn criticism from human rights organisations due to reported abuses by both the army and the VDP. The violence has displaced over two million people and caused more than 26,000 deaths since 2015.
