Burkina Faso: Militants kill two police officers in Soum province Jan. 29

Event

On Monday, January 29, unidentified militants ambushed a police patrol in Baraboulé district (Soum province), killing two police officers. Some ten militants reportedly launched the attack on Monday morning (local time) as the police officers were traveling to the Baraboulé market; security reinforcements eventually repelled the attackers. Additional militant attacks on Burkinabé security forces are possible in Soum province in the coming weeks.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile northern Sahel region. Terrorist attacks are usually attributed to the Ansarul Islam group and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Meanwhile, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also recently increased.

Advice

Due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.

Several Western governments advise against all travel to areas of the northern Sahel region, particularly areas within 40 km (25 mi) of the Malian border. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to traveling to such areas.