Just days after an ambush took the lives of 51 troops, terrorists have killed 15 extra troopers in troubled northern Burkina Faso, safety sources confirmed Tuesday.
A unit in Tin-Akoff in Oudalan province close to the border with Mali “came under violent attack” Monday night, a supply mentioned, giving a toll of “about 15 dead” with others nonetheless lacking.
The military mounted a counterattack with air assist, “neutralizing … dozens of terrorists,” the supply added.
A second supply within the safety forces confirmed the assault and put the toll at 19 troopers lifeless and “dozens of missing.”
The bloodshed got here because the Sahel nation reeled from a lethal ambush final Friday close to Deou, additionally in Oudalan province.
Fifty-one troopers died and 160 terrorists have been killed in that motion and the aftermath, in keeping with military figures.
Terrorists primarily based in Mali started launching cross-border incursions on the landlocked Sahel state greater than seven years in the past.
Since then, greater than 10,000 civilians, police and troops have died, in keeping with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) estimates, and greater than 2 million individuals have fled their houses.
Around 40% of the nation’s territory lies outdoors the federal government’s management.
Out of management
Anger throughout the navy at failures to show the tide sparked two coups final 12 months.
Hours earlier than news broke of the newest assault, political events and civil teams displayed their assist for the ruling junta.
“In these difficult times, I urge the Burkinabe people to cultivate a spirit of national unity and support the transitional authorities in their resolve to restore our territorial integrity,” mentioned Zephirin Diabre of the Union for Progress and Change (UPC).
Junta chief Cap. Ibrahim Traore acknowledged the combat towards terrorism was “strewn with pitfalls” however mentioned the authorities remained “determined” to triumph.
Friday’s assault was the deadliest among the many safety forces since Traore, 34, took energy in late September, vowing to recuperate territory captured by the terrorists.
But assaults have escalated sharply in latest weeks – for the reason that begin of the 12 months, greater than 200 individuals have died, in keeping with an AFP toll.
Political commentator Harouna Traore requested why the armed forces appeared to be so susceptible.
“Why are patrols being carried out without aerial surveillance? Today, we have drones and reconnaissance aircraft, which should mean we no longer run into ambushes,” he mentioned.
Burkina Faso’s junta, like its counterpart in Mali, has fallen out with France, the nation’s conventional ally.
France is pulling out its troops – a particular forces unit of round 400 males primarily based close to the capital Ouagadougou.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
