Burkina army says killed over 50 ‘terrorists’

Burkina Faso is battling a global gang uprising that has spread from neighboring Mali over the past decade, with violent attacks occurring every week. Thousands have been killed across the region and millions have been forced to flee their homes.

The Burkina Faso Army said in a statement that at least 50 terrorists were killed in Monday's military operation in response to a terrorist ambush in northwestern Burkina Faso.

According to the statement, in addition to killing a number of terrorists, some weapons were seized during the army operation. The Burkina Faso military said government forces were not harmed in the operation, with only a handful of casualties.

A rapid reaction force responding to an ambush Monday near Barakuy in the northwestern region of Boucle du Mouhoun “routed the assailants, killing at least 40 terrorists,” military headquarters said in a statement.

Troops conducted a sweep with backup from the air force, seizing combat equipment, it said, adding that “a few soldiers” were “slightly wounded.”

The operation carried out in coordination with volunteer forces led to the death of 10 “terrorists” whose weapons were seized, the statement added.