Ouagadougou: During May and June, the National Armed Forces of Burkina Faso conducted a series of ground operations of unprecedented intensity, inflicting heavy losses on terrorist groups in several regions of the country. From hunting in the forests to neutralizing criminal convoys, the military and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) demonstrated their determination to secure the territory.
According to Burkina Information Agency, offensive and defensive actions have multiplied on the ground, with a remarkable commitment of combat units, notably the BIR (Rapid Intervention Battalions), the Special Forces, and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland. On May 22, in the Ouanobia area, a large-scale attack against the Leopard unit was effectively repelled, causing the enemy to flee, leaving behind several bodies and equipment.
On May 23, in Moussakuy, an offensive reconnaissance led to the elimination of several criminals and the recovery of equipment. Further, on May 27 in the Sahel, civilians courageously opposed a terrorist intrusion, neutralizing attackers with their bare hands before the intervention of the Combatant Forces. The operations continued with a reconnaissance mission in the Sintasso forest on May 28, where an armed group was neutralized, and war material was recovered.
Further operations included the dismantling of a terrorist base in Solimana by units from the Nouna zone on May 29, and an ambush by the 15th BIR against terrorists from C´te d’Ivoire in Kalana on June 1, resulting in a significant defeat and recovery of equipment. From May 29 to June 2, BIR 6 men successfully ambushed terrorist suppliers in Taparko.
The series of operations continued through June, with notable actions such as the neutralization of terrorists between Dori and Taparko by units of the 9th BIR on June 3, and the defeat of assassins in Solimana by the 10th BIR, who also recovered a stolen herd. In Manni, a terrorist infiltration attempt was thwarted by vigilant defenders.
Subsequent operations included the neutralization of several attackers in Sindo on June 8 with equipment recovery, an attack by men from the 15th BIR on terrorists in the Dida forest on June 9, and a successful reconnaissance mission in Thiou on June 10. Amid these operations, on June 14, a terrorist surrendered to the 9th BIR, unable to tolerate combat conditions.
On June 16, a large terrorist attack on a VDP position in Kongaye was defeated with the support of BIR 19. On the same day, the Combat Forces ambushed terrorists in Barsalogho. On June 17, units of BIR 23, Nouna, and Bourasso struck a base in Zonakuy. The operations concluded with an unsuccessful attack by terrorists in Bissiga on June 18, and a successful special forces operation in Diapaga from June 13 to 14.