OUAGADOUGOU: At least 10 civilians were killed in an armed attack in the village of Sampelga, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the town of Dori in the Sahel region in northern Burkina Faso, security and local sources reported. Locals said a large group of armed men indiscriminately opened fire on the villagers, leaving a devastating toll of casualties.
An official from the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), an auxiliary force allied with the Burkinabe army, confirmed the tragic incident. “Unfortunately, around 10 people were killed, all civilians,” the official stated. Several others were reported to have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Local residents echoed the same account, describing the horrifying attack. In addition to the loss of life, the assailants looted and set several stores ablaze in the village. Disturbingly, the following morning, the terrorist group returned to Sampelga, setting fire to homes and stealing livestock. The escalating violence has instilled fear among the villagers, who are now considering fleeing the area but worry about encountering the terrorists on the road.
Militants’ Attacks in Burkina Faso
This recent attack follows another incident on the same day in which approximately 15 civilians were killed by suspected militants in Burkina Faso’s eastern region. Furthermore, the country has been grappling with a surge in militant insurgency since 2015, originating from neighboring Mali. Last week alone, four attacks by suspected militants claimed the lives of 71 volunteer militiamen and regular soldiers, as confirmed by the army and security sources. The deadliest clashes occurred in the Centre-Nord region on June 26, with initial reports indicating a significant number of casualties.
Burkina Faso continues to endure the devastating consequences of the militant insurgency, resulting in a staggering loss of lives. According to estimates by non-governmental organizations, the violence has claimed over 10,000 lives, including civilians, troops, and police. Additionally, more than two million people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict.
The military’s struggle to effectively combat the insurgency has led to internal unrest, culminating in two coups last year and the rise of young army captain Ibrahim Traore in September. The urgent need for security and stability in Burkina Faso remains a pressing concern as innocent lives continue to be lost to this senseless violence.
