Burkina Faso: Gunman attacks border post in Sourou March 17

Event

An unidentified gunman attacked a border post in Di (Sourou region) on Saturday, March 17. According to local sources, the assailant wounded one customs agent before attempting to flee towards Mali. Burkinabe security forces managed to pursue and kill the attacker. Further clashes are possible in Sourou the coming days and weeks.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile Sahel region. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam 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

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.

More generally, individuals across the country are 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.