15 Burkinabe servicemen killed by terrorists near Mali border
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As of now, the death toll is about 15, with other troops in the unit reportedly still missing.
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Mourners hold photos of soldiers that were killed by terrorists in October 2022 (AFP)
Burkina Faso's security forces reported on Tuesday that 15 of its servicemen were killed by suspected terrorists in the country's northern commune of Tin-Akoff, near Mali's borders.
According to the source, a military unit in Tin-Akoff "came under violent attack" on Monday evening.
As of now, the death toll is about 15. Other troops in the unit are reportedly still missing.
The source added that the army carried a counter-attack, which included air support.
Dozens have reportedly been neutralized in the counter-attack, the source said.
Read more: Burkina's youth resurrect Thomas Sankara's anti-colonial project
Other sources have confirmed that the death toll stands at 19, adding that dozens were still missing.
The country's security environment has been stricken by Al-Qaeda-linked insurgencies that spilled over from neighboring Mali in 2015.
Thousands have been killed, more than two million people have fled their homes, and around 40% of the country lies outside government control.
On February 17, 51 soldiers were killed on the Oursi-Déou axis.
Burkina Faso’s army say at least 51 soldiers were killed during an ambush in Oudalan province, add that 160 “terrorists” have been killed as a result of security operations. pic.twitter.com/Y9nVw9FrlC
— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) February 21, 2023
Hence, the total of soldiers who have died in the past four days is 66 - as of now.
As for the number of terrorists who died in the counter-attack, data from security sources indicate the death toll currently stands at 160.
Read more: Terrorists claim the lives of tens of soldiers in Burkina Faso
