MARKOYE, Burkina Faso — In a significant operation, the Burkinabè army neutralized several terrorist leaders and their lieutenants near Markoye this Sunday. The operation is part of an ongoing effort to maintain pressure on criminal activities in the region, especially in the three-border area.

According to the Burkina Information Agency, the army has been on high alert since the beginning of the year, closely monitoring the borders along the three-border area. On January 21, 2024, army radars detected a pickup truck loaded with weapons and ammunition, accompanied by motorcycles, entering Burkinabe territory. The vehicle, carrying a known terrorist leader, was heading towards Oueldi, north of Markoye. The group then stopped under a shrub, where they were joined by other individuals on motorcycles.

Using aerial surveillance, the army captured the meeting of these terrorist leaders. The various lieutenants converged near the vehicle, where the leader was seen making plans on the ground, closely observed by his followers. Although the specific target of the attackers remained unclear to the pilots, they were able to take decisive action.

As the terrorists were preparing to disperse, a missile strike effectively dismantled the group. The leader, the vehicle, and the ammunition were destroyed, with occasional detonations observed. Some survivors initially attempted to flee but were ultimately neutralized a few meters away.

The operation marks a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region. However, the Burkinabè army continues its operations against other criminal elements to secure and liberate the territory.