Burkina Faso Suffers Wave of Deadly JNIM Attacks, Over 100 Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Burkina Faso has experienced a series of coordinated attacks by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), leaving more than 100 people dead, including security forces and civilians, across multiple regions between March 13 and 16.
According to security sources, the attacks targeted several military and civilian locations, spanning nearly the entire country. The deadliest incidents occurred in the North Central, East, and Hauts-Bassins regions.
On March 13 and 14, an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Barsalogho, Sanmatenga Province, killed 17 Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). The JNIM later claimed responsibility, stating that a military patrol was struck by three IEDs between Barsalogho and Pensa.
In Watinom, Boulgou Province, six VDP members were shot dead in a targeted assault. Meanwhile, in Yamba, Gourma Province, JNIM militants attacked a Gendarmerie Mobile Intervention Group (GUMI) post, killing 16 officers and wounding 20 others. The security forces reportedly lacked sufficient ammunition and armored vehicles to withstand the attack.
Other attacks occurred in Tandjari, Gourma Province, where two people were killed, and in Partiaga, Tapoa Province, where militants overpowered security forces and set fire to villages. At least 30 civilians were killed, with many suffering severe burns.
In Séguédougou, Kénédougou Province, 20 VDP members were killed, and terrorists looted military equipment. Another attack in Roussi claimed the lives of nine VDP members.
On March 15, JNIM militants launched an assault on a security camp in Séguenega, Yatenga Province, forcing troops to retreat to Gamba. At least 12 police officers, 10 soldiers, and several civilians were killed, while militants looted weapons and set shops ablaze.
In Foutouri, Komondjari Province, 30 soldiers were killed, and several others were wounded, some suffering severe burns. Attacks also occurred in Baoghin and Larghin, Koulpélogo Province, where two people were killed and multiple others injured.
Security analysts have linked these large-scale attacks to the March 11 Solenzo massacre, an incident that reportedly prompted several refugees to join JNIM ranks.
The Burkinabe government has yet to issue a formal statement on the latest violence, but military reinforcements have reportedly been deployed to affected areas.
