Burkina Faso witnessed a thwarted attack by its armed forces in the Sahel region. The Gorgadji gendarmerie detachment, located in the Séno province, was targeted by heavily armed individuals early on Sunday. In the counteroffensive, security sources report the neutralization of several terrorists and the recovery of weapons. On the side of the Burkinabe armed forces, a few lightly wounded personnel were reported. Two civilians, a woman, and a child sustained injuries during the assault.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, a group of individuals launched an attack on the Gorgadji gendarmerie detachment. According to the national gendarmerie, they arrived in “significant numbers,” utilizing various vehicles and motorcycles, heavily armed and with the apparent intention of seizing control of the detachment.
However, Burkina Faso’s gendarmerie communication department asserts that the attack was “vigorously” repelled by both gendarmes and Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) from the municipality.
The national gendarmerie reports the discovery of “more than ten terrorist bodies” at the combat site, along with a substantial cache of seized combat materials, including machine guns, rocket launchers, Kalashnikovs, ammunition, motorcycles, radio transceivers, and mobile phones.
Regarding the armed forces, a small number of “lightly wounded” individuals have been documented. Additionally, two civilians, a woman, and a child sustained gunshot wounds. According to the national gendarmerie, they are currently receiving medical care from the detachment’s medical personnel.
Reinforcements have been dispatched to the location, and sweep operations are actively underway to address any potential lingering threats. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Burkina Faso in maintaining security within the Sahel region, emphasizing the resilience and effectiveness of its armed forces in the face of such threats.