Suspected jihadists have attacked a military base in Burkina Faso, killing at least 12 soldiers and four volunteers in the process.
The military on Friday said 21 troops were also injured in the attack on the Namissiguima military detachment in the north.
The assailants are reported to have first attacked the camp with shells. Then shooting followed.
The military added that reinforcements have been deployed to secure the area. The attack comes at a time when the armed forces have launched an operation to “de-pollute” localities in the region.
Islamist militants started carrying out raids in Burkina Faso from bases in neighbouring Mali in 2015.
Since then 1.8 million people have been displaced by the violence.
A military government seized power in January and ousted President Roch Kaboré, blaming him for failing to tackle the jihadist insurgency. Last month at least 10 soldiers were killed in Burkina Faso’s eastern region.
Contributed by Chukwuebuka Festus
Source: Africanews
This post was written by a Guest Contributor.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.