Survivor Recounts Horror of Burkina Faso Massacre

In a harrowing interview, a woman recounts the massacre in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, where jihadists killed hundreds, including her three brothers. The attack, linked to Al Qaeda, reveals the dire state of safety as civilians are forced into perilous roles by the military.

In the aftermath of one of Burkina Faso's deadliest militant attacks, a woman shared her chilling account of the massacre in Barsalogho. She recounted the harrowing experience of sifting through piles of bodies to find her brothers, following the assault claimed by an Al Qaeda-linked group.

The interview, provided by an aid worker to Reuters, was conducted in Kaya, where many survivors have sought refuge. The woman requested anonymity for her safety. The militants attacked as men dug defensive trenches under military orders. Civilians, soldiers, and volunteer army auxiliaries were among the victims, with at least 400 people killed.

Eyewitnesses report that the violence began in the morning and continued until drones appeared later in the day. Survivors took days to collect the bodies, despite local customs prohibiting women from participating in burials. Collective grief and outrage have surfaced, criticizing military tactics and government response.

(With inputs from agencies.)