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Over 100 Killed in Burkina Faso Attack; **JNIM** Claims Responsibility
BAMAKO, Mali — A devastating assault in northern Burkina Faso, claimed by a jihadi group, has resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, predominantly soldiers, according to aid workers and local sources. This incident underscores the escalating security crisis in the region, particularly the ongoing struggles in the strategically important town of Djibo.
Details of the Burkina Faso Attack
The coordinated assault targeted multiple locations, including a military installation and the long-embattled town of Djibo, early Sunday morning. An aid worker, actively participating in mediation efforts within Burkina Faso’s most impacted communities, confirmed the details. A local student also reported that her father was among the fatalities.
- The attack occurred simultaneously at several locations.
- Djibo was a central target.
- Civilian casualties were reported along with military losses.
Jihadi Group Claims Responsibility
Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a jihadi organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda and operating in the Sahel region, has asserted responsibility for the deadly attack. This claim highlights the group’s continued activity and influence within the area.
Burkina Faso’s Security Crisis
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation with a population of 23 million and governed by a military junta, is among the countries most severely affected by the escalating insecurity in the Sahel region of Africa. This region is globally recognized as a hotspot for violent extremism. The ongoing violence, a significant factor in two coups in 2022, has left approximately half of the country outside of government control. There have also been allegations of extrajudicial executions perpetrated by government security forces.
The Attack’s Timeline and Tactics
According to an aid worker and Charlie Werb, an independent Sahel analyst, the Sunday attack commenced simultaneously at 6 a.m. local time across different locations.
Key Observations:
- JNIM fighters targeted multiple locations concurrently to divert the Burkina Faso air force.
- The principal assault occurred in Djibo, where JNIM combatants initially seized control of all entry checkpoints before attacking military outposts, notably the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit’s camp.
Werb, analyzing online videos, noted that the attackers operated for several hours without aerial support from the Burkina Faso military. This contrasts with past incidents in Djibo, where security forces successfully repelled extremists.
Escalating Power of JNIM
Wassim Nasr, a Sahel expert and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center security think tank, asserts that the recent assault demonstrates JNIM’s increasing strength and broader reach within Burkina Faso. “The targeting of Djibo underscores the extent of JNIM’s freedom of movement within Burkina Faso,” Nasr stated.
Concerns Over Military Strategy
Analysts have cautioned that the junta’s strategy of intensifying military efforts, which includes the mass conscription of civilians into inadequately trained militias, has exacerbated tensions among ethnic groups. This approach may be contributing to the overall instability in the region.