From Boucle du Mouhoun to the Sahel and from the Center-North to the East, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso’s Combatant Forces, supported by air operations, have recently conducted successful raids against several terrorist bases across the nation, according to security sources. The operations have led to the recovery of significant amounts of combat equipment.
According to Burkina Information Agency, On May 9, 2024, Volunteer Defense Forces (VDPs) patrolling near Tenou, about ten kilometers from Nouna, were ambushed by terrorists. The VDPs quickly overcame the initial surprise and regained control, resulting in several terrorists being killed and their weapons and equipment captured. Simultaneously, the 5th and 9th Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) targeted terrorist bases in the Sebba area, overwhelming the terrorists and recovering additional equipment. Despite these victories, the Combatant Forces remained vigilant. That evening, air support detected terrorists regrouping under a tree in the Tarpako area. An opportune missile strike resulted in several terrorist casualties. Survivors fleeing on motorcycles soon encountered the 1st Rapid Intervention Battalion and a Special Forces commando, leading to further engagements and equipment recovery.
The intense day of fighting on May 9 continued with air support aiding the VDP engaged in Boko (Boulsa) against terrorists, tracking and striking the fleeing assailants. The next morning, air surveillance observed terrorists attempting to escape by tricycles. A missile halted their escape, and a Special Forces team swiftly neutralized them. In a separate incident on May 10, rapid intervention battalions operating in the East, in the Tankoualou area, spotted and decisively engaged another group of terrorists, continuing the pattern of successful military actions against these threats.