A recent attack by suspected jihadists in eastern Burkina Faso left 33 soldiers dead on Thursday, adding to the worsening violence that has plagued the country since 2015.
According to a statement from the army, the military unit in Ougarou, located in the eastern region, faced a large and complex attack early in the morning. “Thirty-three of our soldiers, unfortunately, lost their lives while fighting, and twelve others were injured,” the statement said.
Despite the intense fighting, the soldiers showed “great courage” in the face of an overwhelming number of attackers.
The army added that they managed to kill at least 40 terrorists before reinforcements arrived. The arrival of these reinforcements allowed the evacuation of the wounded, who are now receiving medical treatment.
Security sources reported that the attackers were “heavily armed” and that “some soldiers are still missing.”
The Chief of General Staff praised the fallen soldiers, calling their sacrifice in defense of their country “supreme.” He also encouraged other units to keep up the fight and strengthen their efforts.
This attack follows the brutal killing of at least 60 civilians in the northern village of Karma on April 20 by men dressed in army uniforms.
The government condemned these “vile and barbaric acts” and announced that an investigation was underway to find and arrest those responsible.
Survivors and residents from Karma reported that the death toll could be “more than a hundred.” The victims were buried on Thursday evening, with local authorities assisting the community in laying their loved ones to rest.
Earlier in April, at least 24 people, including 20 civilian volunteers supporting the army, were killed in separate attacks by suspected jihadists in east-central Burkina Faso. Additionally, on April 15, six soldiers and 34 civilian helpers were killed in an attack in the north.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been caught in a wave of violence that began in neighboring Mali and Niger, eventually spreading across borders. The conflict has resulted in over 10,000 deaths, both military and civilian, and displaced nearly two million people, according to NGOs.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s transitional president who took power after a coup in September 2022, recently signed a decree calling for the “general mobilization” of people aged 18 and over to help fight against the jihadist groups.
This decree, which lasts for one year, is part of efforts to counter the ongoing violence tearing the nation apart.
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