A particularly violent attack struck the Fada N'Gourma region on Saturday, February 14th. Although no official death toll has yet been released, local estimates suggest 60 to 70 fatalities , marking one of the bloodiest episodes in recent months.

A deadly trap linked to a tragic mix-up

The target of the attack was the base of the Water and Forestry Combat Units (UCEF) . According to multiple sources, the tragedy was compounded by a fatal misunderstanding:

1. The alert: The soldiers of the UCEF, informed of an imminent threat, had requested the support of the 12th Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR).
2. The confusion: Upon the arrival of the attackers, the foresters reportedly mistook the jihadists for the expected reinforcements.
3. The outcome: Trapped in their own defensive trenches, the soldiers were overwhelmed. The base was completely destroyed.

A heavy human toll and overwhelmed hospitals

The situation on the ground is described as "untenable" by security sources:

1. Victims: In addition to the military, civilians were also executed as armed groups passed through.
2. Emergency services: The hospital and morgue in Fada N'Gourma are currently overwhelmed by the continuous influx of bodies and injured people.
3. Missing: Several members of the elite forces are still unaccounted for.

A persistent official silence

Although the area is a known stronghold of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) , no official group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Burkinabe military authorities have so far remained silent in the face of the scale of the disaster.