A cattle raid degenerated into deadly clashes in the Betroka district, resulting in the death of three gendarmes.

Intervention of the Isoanala brigade in an old case of cattle theft.

Three gendarmes were killed yesterday during a bloody clash with a group of dahalo in Isoanala, in the Betroka district. The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. in Tanandava, involved around sixty armed assailants who stole several hundred zebu.

In addition to the three members of the security forces, villagers also lost their lives, and deaths have been reported on the side of the attackers, according to journalist Théophile Norbert, based in Betroka for RNM/TVM.

This colleague reports that more than five hundred zebus were taken from the hamlet of Ambatomainty-Tanandava. At dawn, the owners of the animals, accompanied by gendarmes, began a pursuit towards the east, following the tracks left by the herd.

District MP Nicolas Randrianasolo says the number of stolen zebus could be as high as seven hundred.

"The herd is heading towards Andriamena. I have already informed the head of the Presidential Council for the Refoundation of the Republic of the seriousness of the situation," he said. He also confirmed that some herders were injured during the attack.

Weapons

On the ground, operations conducted by the gendarmes continue. An officer contacted by telephone indicated that the body of one of the three gendarmes killed has already been recovered. The other two are being located. Their service weapons have not yet been found.

"We are still on the ground. The area is vast and difficult to access," he said.

The attack has rekindled fears linked to the growing presence of armed zebu thieves in the south of the territory, where the dahalo often operate in organized and heavily armed groups.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the security measures put in place, cattle thefts continue to wreak havoc in rural communities, jeopardizing the safety of residents and the local economy.

Regional and national authorities are expected to provide details on the measures taken, reinforcements deployed, and possible legal action. In the meantime, the population of Isoanala remains in shock, mourning, and worried about the violence, which appears to be intensifying.