Devastating Burkina Faso Attack: Nearly 400 Dead

An al Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in north-central Burkina Faso, resulting in nearly 400 casualties. The militants targeted army-affiliated militias, not civilians. The incident underscores the dangerous reliance on civilians in combat roles against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region.

An al Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for a catastrophic attack near Barsalogho in north-central Burkina Faso, which left nearly 400 people dead. The Site Intelligence Group reported that the extremists insisted they targeted militia members affiliated with the army, not civilians.

Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), the group behind the attack, stated that soldiers and militias were digging defensive trenches when the assault occurred. Videos shared on social media by the militants showed numerous bodies in civilian attire lying in trenches, deepening the controversy.

This atrocity highlights the increasing risk faced by civilians as Burkina Faso's authorities lean on them to combat jihadist groups, according to Africa-focused risk analyst Ryan Cummings. The ruling junta has not yet confirmed the death toll, but stated that soldiers, civilians, and volunteer army auxiliaries were among the victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)