More than 30 soldiers and 40 suspected terrorists killed in an operation in Burkina Faso

28 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Burkina Faso Army has confirmed the “neutralization” of 40 suspected terrorists in the province of Gourma, in the east of the country, in an operation in which 33 soldiers have also died.

According to a statement from the Armed Forces General Staff, 12 soldiers have also been injured and are being treated by the health services, after the operation this Thursday morning, local time.

“During the fighting, which was particularly intense, the soldiers of the detachment showed remarkable determination in the face of an enemy that had come in large numbers,” they explained in a statement.

In addition, they have detailed that the arrival of reinforcements was what allowed them to finish off all the attackers and evacuate the wounded. The Army has also sent its condolences and “encourages all units involved in operations to maintain their efforts.”

Burkina Faso has seen a sharp increase in jihadist attacks in recent years, the work of both al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates in the region. Abuses by the security forces against the population have helped these groups in their recruitment efforts.