53 members of Burkina Faso security forces killed in terror response

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Seventeen soldiers and 36 army auxiliaries were killed and hundreds wounded in a counterattack during the recapture of Koumbri in northern Burkina Faso, the army said Tuesday.

Harassment fire and contact by the enemy targeted a precursor unit early Monday that was deployed for offensive action as part of the reconquest Koumbri that has been deserted for more than two years, according to the statement by the army's communications and public relations department.

"This contact with the enemy led to intense fighting" which resulted in the neutralization of several dozen terrorists, while 53 combatants, including 17 soldiers and 36 army auxiliaries, lost their lives in the fighting, it added.

It also reported the evacuation of 30 wounded soldiers and ongoing operations to disable residual terror elements on the run in Burkina Faso that has been plagued by terrorism.

"This act of extreme cowardice will not go unpunished," said the General Staff.