Ouagadougou, Dec 25: At least 35 civilians, mainly women, were killed as a result of a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso’s northern province of Soum, President Roch Marc said in a statement.
“As a result of that cruel attack, 35 civilians, mainly women, have been killed. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” the president said.
While responding to the attack, the military managed to neutralize 80 militants and seize important military equipment and vehicles, he added.
According to the Army’s press release, the deadly incident left four servicemen and three gendarmes dead, while about 20 security officers received injuries.
In wake of the horrific incident, Mr Marc declared a national mourning for 48 hours.
“In memory of the civilian and military victims of this Tuesday’s terrorist attack in Arbinda, I have decided to declare a national mourning of 48 hours over the whole extent of the national territory from Wednesday December 25 at midnight.” the President said in a tweet.
Burkina Faso has been suffering from activities of Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State terrorist organizations (both banned in Russia) since 2016.
Militants kill 35 civilians in Burkina Faso: President
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