At least 35 dead after an attack in Burkina Faso

Attack

At least 35 civilians were killed and 37 injured in the heavy attack on the territory of the jihadist militants.

The landlocked African nation is in the midst of a years-long militant conflict that has so far claimed around 2,000 lives and forced more than 1.5 million from their homes.

Yesterday’s incident occurred as supply convoys escorted by the army were passing through a quiet road between the towns of Bourzanga and Djibo, said the statement of the governor of the Sahel, Rodolphe Sorgo.

The authorities added that one of the vehicles carrying civilians was hit by the explosion of the explosive device.

“The companions then secured the perimeter to help the victims of the bomb,” the statement said, adding that the convoy had left from the north and was heading towards Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou.

According to a Djibo resident, “dozens of vehicles, trucks and public transport buses were hit”.

Most of the conflicts between the jihadist militias and the authorities are concentrated in the north and east of the country.

The country’s government has more than 40% of the territory out of control. The military junta that came to power in January has declared the fight against militants a priority.

The government says it has intensified “offensive actions” by the army and at the same time has started a dialogue with the armed groups through local and religious leaders.