At least 14 people were killed in a terrorist attack on a mosque in Natiaboani, in eastern Burkina Faso, on Sunday, the same day a Catholic church was struck and 15 people died there as well.
The Burkina Faso Federation of Islamic Associations (FAIB) reported that twelve of the fatalities died at the scene, while the remaining two succumbed to their injuries later in hospital. A statement described the assailants as individuals acting without faith or law, who blindly carried out vile and cowardly violence against a mosque and its faithful, including the spiritual leader.
Burkina Faso faces a new, indescribable tragedy after terrorist incursion across its territory. The events mark very painful times for the nation and, in particular, for Burkinabe communities, according to the missive released Monday by the X News Agency. The organization condemned these barbaric, unjustifiable acts, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and urged the public to renew support for national authorities.
Armed groups attempted to strike a military outpost and positions held by local volunteers recruited to counter jihadist activity. Reporters indicated that, frustrated and defeated by earlier setbacks, the terrorists redirected their assault toward the town mosque. Authorities repelled several attacks across the weekend, described as involving thousands of militants, according to the same outlet.
Security sources cited by the agency noted that a large number of criminals died in the clashes, in which the Air Force conducted multiple bombardments. No group had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting. The attackers launched their operations in a coordinated fashion against targets in Pensa, Natiaboani, Kongoussi, Ouahigouya, and Tankoualo.
The bishop of the Dori diocese, Laurent Bifuré Dabire, relayed to the local church leadership that armed men had killed 15 people during an attack on a Catholic church in Essakane, a town in the northeast near the borders with Mali and Niger.
Since coming to power in 2022, Burkina Faso has been led by a military junta under Ibrahim Traoré. The country has seen a sharp rise in insecurity since 2015, with attacks carried out by affiliates of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The violence has driven large numbers of people from their homes and into displacement within the country or into neighboring states in the region.