A series of coordinated attacks attributed to armed groups in Burkina Faso has resulted in the deaths of eight security personnel, local and security sources confirmed on Monday.
According to reports, seven police officers were killed during an assault on a police post near Fada N’Gourma, located in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Niger. The area has long been affected by insecurity and the presence of armed militants.
The police station, which is situated near a university, was targeted on June 30. A second attack on the same site was reported three days later, causing damage to the facility but no further casualties.
A security report issued by Police Director General Wennelebsida Jean-Alexandre Darga confirmed the loss of seven officers in the initial attack.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement and video shared online. The group also claimed a separate assault on an army position near Boulsa, located in central Burkina Faso, where one soldier was reportedly killed and two civilian volunteers captured.
In the released footage, JNIM called for negotiations over the detained individuals.
The attacks come despite the government’s ongoing efforts to improve national security, including increased military operations in conflict zones. Burkina Faso has experienced escalating violence in recent years, with numerous areas affected by insurgent activities.
According to data from conflict monitors, more than 26,000 people—both civilians and military—have died in related violence since 2015. A significant portion of these fatalities have occurred in the last three years.
Authorities have not yet issued an official public statement regarding the recent incidents.