Burkina Faso: at least 51 soldiers killed in an ambush
The attack took place between Oursi and Deou, in the Sahel region, not far from the border with Mali.
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In Burkina Faso, at least 51 soldiers were killed in an attack on Friday, February 17, in the Sahel region, according to a provisional report from the general staff of the armies.
Intense fighting pitted Burkinabè soldiers against an armed terrorist group between Oursi and Deou, in the province of Oudalan.
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This assessment could increase in the hours to come because several soldiers are still missing.
“
Nearly 80 people are still wanted
,” a security source told RFI, a few hours before the announcement of this death toll of 51 on the Burkinabe side.
The wounded are being treated in appropriate medical centers for care, and air force helicopters have begun to transfer the remains of soldiers who fell during the attack to Ouagadougou.
According to the general staff of the armies, the Burkinabè soldiers were on the move when they were attacked by armed men.
“
The unit was targeted by a complex attack ,” the authorities said, and “
heavy fighting
ensued
.
»
The attack took place between Oursi and Deou, in the Sahel region, not far from the border with Mali.
Air reinforcements were sent to the scene throughout the weekend.
The intensification of aerial actions made it possible to neutralize a hundred terrorists and destroyed several vehicles as well as combat equipment.
The attackers were trying to escape across the northern border to Mali, when they were targeted by the Burkinabè air force.
51 soldiers fell following the attack of February 17, 2023. (Provisional report) pic.twitter.com/73I5mlqmVR
— SIG Burkina Faso (@sigbf) February 20, 2023
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Burkina Faso
Defense