More than 70 terrorists, including key leaders of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), have been neutralized in western Burkina Faso during a military offensive carried out in February, the Burkinabe army announced on Wednesday.
According to state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), the operation followed a February 10 attack by terrorists on the Burkinabe Combatant Forces stationed in Djouroum, in the commune of Tougan, Boucle du Mouhoun region.
“The reaction of the elements, supported by air assets, inflicted heavy losses on the attackers. The toll stands at 73 terrorists neutralized,” RTB reported, citing the army.
Among the high-profile GSIM leaders killed were Djafar Libé, Abou Seydou, and Sangaré Kalirou, also known as Abdoul Kalirou.
The GSIM faction is known to operate in the forests of Koussoumsourou and Gassan in Nayala province, within the Boucle du Mouhoun region.
Burkina Faso, like its Sahelian neighbors Mali and Niger, has been battling terrorism since 2015. The three nations, now part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have intensified joint military operations following the withdrawal of French forces.
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Source: WAVN