Burkina Faso Announces Elimination of 100 Terrorists

Clashes have intensified between the armies of the Sahel region—backed by Russia (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso)—and armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS. Recent operations in Burkina Faso led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists, while in Niger, 39 civilians were killed in an attack.

In Burkina Faso, the military conducted a complex operation targeting al-Qaeda fighters in the northwest. Meanwhile, suspected ISIS militants launched a deadly assault on villages in Niger near the Burkina Faso border.

Niger’s Ministry of Defense reported Saturday that the two-day attack targeted multiple villages in the Tillabéri region. The region, situated near the border, has long been a hotspot for the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The ministry described the events as “cowardly attacks on defenseless civilians” and confirmed a death toll of 39, including women and children.

The Nigerien army pledged to hunt down the attackers and enhance security in the border region. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s military announced the elimination of over 100 terrorists in separate operations in the Mouhoun Province, a known al-Qaeda stronghold, over two days.

The offensive follows directives from Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to intensify counter-terrorism efforts. His administration, restructured last week, has declared the fight against terrorism its top priority.