10 soldiers killed, nearly 50 wounded in attack on Burkina Faso army base
Up to 18 terrorists neutralized during ensuing operations, says army
KIGALI, Rwanda
At least 10 soldiers were killed and around 50 others were wounded when suspected terrorists attacked an army base in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region on Monday, the army said.
The attack targeted the 14th Inter-Arms Regiment in Djibo.
A provisional assessment showed that 10 soldiers were killed in the fighting and about 50 wounded were evacuated to health facilities, the army said in a statement.
“The army valiantly responded to the direct and indirect enemy fire. They came in significant numbers,” it said, adding up to 18 terrorists were neutralized during the ensuing operations.
The army said air reinforcements were deployed in the area to ensure rescue and response operations.
Burkina Faso has suffered regular insecurity posed by an insurgency that spread from neighboring Mali over the past decade.
Last month, the army led by Capt. Ibrahim Traore deposed Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had seized power in January. Traore was last week sworn in as interim president.
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