Burkina Faso forces neutralize “dozens” of suspected terrorists in new operations

Jan. 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Burkina Faso’s security forces have neutralized “dozens” of suspected terrorists in a series of operations carried out over the past 48 hours, which have also resulted in the destruction of several operational bases.

Official sources cited by the Burkinabe state news agency, AIB, have indicated that the operations have been carried out “on multiple fronts” by the Army and the “volunteers” recruited to reinforce the anti-jihadist fight.

Thus, they have specified that the areas where these activities have taken place include Ronga, in the North province, and the provinces of Nahouri and Zoundwéogo, near the border with Ghana.

The leader of the Burkina Faso military junta, Ibrahim Traoré, pointed Wednesday to an expansion of anti-terrorist operations in the coming days and announced that thousands of “volunteers” will be deployed on the ground starting in early February to combat the jihadist groups.

Traoré stressed that the fight against terrorism is now focused on “small operations” and stated that military capabilities are being strengthened. “The war will begin in the days to come,” she assured.

Burkina Faso has generally experienced a significant increase in insecurity since 2015, with attacks carried out by both the Al Qaeda affiliate and the Islamic State, which has caused a wave of internally displaced persons and refugees to other countries in the region.