A jihadist attack last Friday on a military camp in Diapaga, eastern Burkina Faso, claimed the lives of over 50 people, including soldiers and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), according to police and medical sources. This incident highlights the ongoing violence plaguing the country since 2015, linked to extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The assault targeted a military base where VDP members were undergoing training. Survivors managed to flee before the attackers looted the camp, seizing weapons, ammunition, drones, and other supplies. According to gendarme Somé, the attackers left behind devastation, including numerous casualties.

Hospitals in Fada N’Gourma, the regional capital, reported being overwhelmed with patients suffering gunshot wounds, fractures, and head injuries, with some transferred to facilities in Ouagadougou.

According to street vendor Souglimpo Yonli, the jihadists arrived on motorcycles, surrounding the town and launching the attack, which lasted over two hours. The assault resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of a young boy struck by a stray bullet. Local residents are reportedly in shock and fear retaliation, hesitant to speak out against the violence.

Amadou Lompo, a local official, criticized the lack of a swift response to earlier attacks in nearby villages, stating that more proactive action could have prevented the tragedy in Diapaga. He called for government presence and support in the area to reassure residents and bolster security.

Burkina Faso has faced relentless attacks by jihadist groups since 2015, resulting in thousands of deaths and over two million displaced people. The instability has spurred two military coups in 2022, first led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and later by the current leader, Ibrahim Traoré. Both coups reflected growing dissatisfaction among the population and military over the government’s inability to curb extremist violence.

The jihadists continue to control large swaths of territory in the Sahel region, exploiting weak state control to expand their influence. International organizations and local leaders have urged Burkina Faso’s government to adopt more robust strategies to counter the threat and address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

The situation in Diapaga serves as a grim reminder of the challenges Burkina Faso faces in its fight against terrorism. With its citizens calling for more decisive government action, the country remains at a critical juncture in its efforts to restore security and stability amidst the mounting threat of extremist violence.

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