Burkina Faso: Recent shootout highlights terrorist threat /update 2

Event

According to a local prosecutor, the four militants involved in the May 22 shootout with security forces in the Rayongo district (Arrondissement 11) of the capital Ouagadougou were planning to stage a massive attack in the capital in June. Three of the suspects were killed in the shootout and the fourth was arrested. She added that a link between them and the assailants of the deadly March 2 Ouagadougou attack has been established. The four reportedly belong to the Al-Mourabitoune Islamist group, now part of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

Attacks remain possible in the coming weeks and months, despite heightened security efforts.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso.

On March 2, JNIM militants launched coordinated attacks against the French Embassy and the Burkinabe army headquarters in Ouagadougou, which left seven soldiers and nine assailants dead.

Advice

Due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - and Ouagadougou in particular - 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, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the borders.ac