Security forces neutralize ten suspected extremists in western Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s police, assisted by civilian Volunteers for Homeland Defense (VDP), neutralized ten alleged extremists in the country’s western region, the nation’s military confirmed.

A statement from the Burkina Faso Armed Forces’ Communication and Public Relations Directorate, reported by local media, described the operation against an extremist convoy in the Tarba area, Nayala province, as well-coordinated and carefully executed.

Besides, security personnel confiscated a significant cache of equipment, including weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.

Since April 2015, Burkina Faso has been targeted by extremist attacks attributed to groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, especially in its northern region.

Furthermore, Burkina Faso experienced two coups in 2022.

The first, in January, was led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, followed by a September takeover by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the current leader.

Both events stemmed from public and military dissatisfaction due to extremist attacks, leading to the displacement of over two million citizens, as the Burkina Faso government stated.

Last June, the Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted Burkina Faso as topping the list of the world’s most neglected displacement crises, particularly after humanitarian attention shifted to Ukraine post-Russian invasion.