Counterterrorism In Burkina: Army Conducts Operations In The North And South

Since 2016, Burkina Faso has been grappling with the scourge of terrorism. Armed terrorist groups regularly launch bloody incursions into the territory of the "Land of Honest Men." This asymmetric war against a multifaceted enemy has cost many lives. Upon coming to power in September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traore initiated various mechanisms to put an end to the terrorist threat. The regime of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) launched an extensive recruitment process for "Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland" to facilitate the deployment of military strategy on the ground. In addition to this, Captain Traore regime strengthened cooperation with Russia, enabling Burkina Faso to acquire top-notch military equipment.

On Monday, January 22, various Burkinabe media outlets reported that the national armed forces, with the support of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, conducted operations against terrorist groups in the north and south of Burkina Faso. The cities of Falagountou and Loropeni were the scenes of the clashes. The official toll is not yet known, but consistent sources indicate that the armed terrorist groups suffered heavy losses. To prevent any potential counter-offensive, the Burkinabe army and its civilian supporters positioned themselves in strategic areas around Falagountou and Loropeni. Sweeping operations are taking place to eliminate any terrorist threat capable of hindering the peace of the local populations.

The northern region of Burkina Faso is one of the most affected by terrorism. Despite terrorists' attempts to establish a presence in the southern part of the country, they have been unable to break through. They have suffered significant defeats in this region of Burkina.