The Burkinabe Army reported a deadly ambush in Namsiguia, Bam province, in the north-central region, where 40 suspected terrorists and 34 government fighters were killed. The clash occurred as a convoy of soldiers and volunteers was attacked while refueling. The military details indicate 31 soldiers and three members of the Homeland Defense Volunteers, known as VDP, were in the escorting force.
Officials described the fighting as intense, noting that despite the troops’ rapid and forceful response, casualties were heavy. A military statement said more than twenty service members were wounded and subsequently transported to medical facilities for treatment.
The Chief of Staff of the Burkinabe Armed Forces praised the resilience of the troops who worked to reclaim territory and protect the homeland, offering condolences and wishing a swift recovery to the injured and a dignified memory for the fallen. This acknowledgment came as the country continues to cope with ongoing security challenges.
Since a coup in January 2022, Burkina Faso has been governed by a military junta led by Abraham Traoré, following the resignation of then-president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. In recent years, insecurity has intensified, with attacks attributed to extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State playing a significant role. The instability has fueled inter-communal violence in the region and fostered the growth of local self-defense formations, including volunteer units supported by the government. The persistent violence has driven large numbers of people to flee their homes, with many displaced domestically and seeking refuge in neighboring countries.