Burkina Faso attacks: at least 22 military personnel and civilians killed this weekend
via SeneNews6 min read
Recent jihadist group offensives in Burkina Faso have resulted in at least 22 casualties among military personnel and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland. The military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, is intensifying its response operations to this alarming situation, which has persisted for several years. At least 22 soldiers and civilian army auxiliaries were killed in new attacks by presumed jihadists this weekend in northern Burkina Faso, according to security sources. The country, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré's military junta, which came to power in a September 2022 coup, has faced deadly offensives from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State across large parts of its territory for a decade. A security source reported that "the base of one of the Rapid Intervention Battalions BIR, in Di, near Dédougou, was targeted by jihadists on Saturday morning." Despite a valiant response, at least fourteen soldiers and seven VDP Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland were killed. These civilian auxiliaries, recruited by the thousands, pay a heavy price in the anti-jihadist fight. Another attack targeted the Solhan detachment in the northeast, also causing several deaths, including an officer. A "vast retaliatory operation" was reported. Another security source confirmed these two attacks, deploring "heavy human and material losses" without further details. According to a police source, a third attack targeted a military post in Séguénéga, nea
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final minutes to advance to the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi played a pivotal role, despite missing a penalty earlier in the match. Egypt had taken the lead with a goal from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute, and extended their advantage to 2-0 with a goal from Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute. Messi then assisted Cristian Romero's goal in the 79th minute, followed by his own goal in the 83rd minute to equalize. Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time, securing Argentina's place in the next round. The win follows another close match for Argentina in the round of 32 against Cape Verde, which went into extra time. Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals.
Must ReadMore than 16,000 people have been displaced in Am-Dafock, Central African Republic, following an armed attack on June 30 against the sub-prefecture. Local authorities reported that the humanitarian situation for the displaced is critical, with families lacking shelter and food. Zakaria Assane, chief of Amkroumaï 2 village, described families sleeping on the ground without mosquito nets and children crying from hunger. The Central African Armed Forces FACA have since regained control of Am-Dafock, a strategic location near the Sudanese border. Lieutenant Colonel Jude Ngaïyoko, prefect of Vakaga, stated that security is gradually being restored through FACA operations and their Russian allies, with patrols continuing to prevent further attacks. The assault resulted in casualties among FACA members, security forces, and civilians, though no specific figures were provided. Over 16,000 displaced individuals are gathered near the MINUSCA base in Am-Dafock, while more than 2,000 others sought refuge in Birao. Three Zambian peacekeepers were injured during the attack. Amadou Moctar Diallo, head of the MINUSCA office in Birao, confirmed the delivery of over three tons of humanitarian aid and the deployment of medical aircraft for evacuations. The government has announced increased security measures in Vakaga, including additional FACA deployments and intensified patrols, in response to the region's vulnerability to armed groups operating across the border, exacerbated by the ongoing c
Pape Gueye, the Villarreal midfielder, has indicated a potential return to the Senegal national team after previously announcing a break from the squad while the current technical staff remained in place. Gueye conveyed a strong message to the Senegalese people, reaffirming his love for the national jersey and suggesting his availability for upcoming matches. He clarified his position on social media, stating, "I love my country and the national team more than anything," and emphasized that representing Senegal remains a great source of pride. While not officially announcing his return, his statements suggest a willingness to rejoin the team once conditions are met. He insisted that his recent decisions were guided by the ambition to contribute to the development of Senegalese football, adding, "Every decision I have made recently is solely for things to move in the right direction for the present and especially for the future." Reflecting on the last tournament, which ended in a disappointing elimination, Gueye acknowledged the fans' disappointment, saying, "I know we failed you during this tournament; you deserved much better from us." He expressed a desire to look to the future and promised, along with his teammates, to work harder to help Senegal return to the top, concluding, "We will work very hard to come back stronger, God willing."