Terrorist Recruiter Captured by Combatant Forces in Bittou, Officials Say

BITTOU — Combatant Forces in Bittou have arrested Idrissa Diallo, also known as Abou Youssoufa, a key figure in terrorist recruitment, during an operation on April 5, 2024, in the Sangabouli forest within the Center-East region’s Boulgou province.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the forces targeted areas known for harboring terrorists as part of their broader mission to reclaim territorial integrity in the Center-East. Diallo, originating from Guildjèga in the commune of Bittou, had aligned himself with what local authorities refer to as the Forces of Evil since 2018. He was actively involved in recruiting for terrorist bases and had participated in numerous attacks and forced evacuations along the Bittou-Cinkanssé corridor.

The capture of Diallo, who had moved between several forests including Nouaho and Hourtougou, is expected to significantly disrupt the induction of new recruits into terrorist groups in the region, AIB sources indicated.