Burkina Faso’s government has announced the rescue of 305 people, including women, children, and the elderly, who were being held captive by terrorists in a forest in Boucle du Mouhoun.
The hostages, used as human shields, were freed in the Solenzo area and later transferred to Ouagadougou, according to national television.
Commander Aziz Ouédraogo, head of army communications, confirmed that the victims who were forcibly exploited, were under terrorist control.
Earlier, the government reported that the captives had been used by terrorists who failed in their attempt to attack an outpost of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP).
Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo praised the professionalism of the Defense Forces and the VDP, highlighting that the freed hostages, suffering from malnutrition and health issues, were immediately transferred to a temporary site for urgent humanitarian care.
He urged residents in forested areas to flee terrorist hideouts and report their locations. The government reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying military offensives until all terrorist groups are eliminated and national territory is fully reclaimed.
