Yatenga: 53 brave fighters fall with weapons in their hands in Koumbri
36 Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) and 17 soldiers lost their lives yesterday Monday in Koumbri (Yatenga, North), during intense fighting during which several dozen terrorists were killed, indicates an army statement sent to the AIB.
Burkina Faso Information Agency
PRESS RELEASE
As part of the reconquest of the locality of Koumbri (Yatenga province) in the Northern region, the 12th Commando Infantry Regiment (12th RIC) deployed a precursor unit in a daring offensive action to allow the resettlement of the populations who have left the area for more than two (02) years.
During its progression, this unit experienced several incidents and harassment fire which it managed to overcome with determination until its destination.
During the control phase of the said area, the precursor elements had enemy contact at dawn on Monday September 4, 2023.
This contact with the enemy caused intense fighting.
The bravery and determination of our fighters made it possible to put up fierce resistance, repel the attack and neutralize several dozen terrorists.
Unfortunately, fifty-three (53) combatants including seventeen (17) soldiers and thirty-six (36) VDP lost their lives during the fighting. We also recorded around thirty injured people who were evacuated and taken care of.
The response operations immediately launched and supported by several air vectors also made it possible to neutralize several routed attackers and destroy their combat equipment.
Operations are still underway in the area.
The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces sends his sincere condolences to the families of the soldiers and the VDP who made the supreme sacrifice in this offensive to reconquer the national territory.
He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces reassures public opinion that this act of extreme cowardice will not go unpunished.
Everything is done to incapacitate the remaining terrorist elements on the run. »
Source: Burkina Information Agency