16 dead in attack on Burkina Faso military post

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 12 soldiers and four civilian army volunteers were killed Friday in an attack on a military post in northern Burkina Faso, according to the army.

A complex attack targeted the Namissiguima military detachment in Sanmatenga Province, Centre-Nord region, at around 5 a.m., it said in a statement.

“The provisional toll shows 12 soldiers and four army volunteers were killed, as well as 21 soldiers wounded,” it said, adding that reinforcements have been deployed to secure the area.

Northern Burkina Faso has witnessed terror attacks since 2015, in which more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 1 million displaced, according to official data.

The West African country has been ruled by a military junta since January following a coup that ousted President Roch Kabore.

Junta leader Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has declared security as one of his priorities but a surge in deadly attacks has been reported in recent weeks