The attack occurred on Saturday and was carried out by armed men affiliated with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, who have been responsible for a brutal insurgency in Burkina Faso since 2015.
This conflict has led to the deaths of thousands and displaced over two million people.
Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo condemned the “cowardly and barbaric attack,” stating that the assailants indiscriminately targeted women, children, the elderly, and men.
A local resident described the assault as happening around 9:00 am, with “terrorist groups” attacking the village, leading to numerous civilian and security force casualties.
Security sources confirmed that there were “several dozen dead” and many others injured, who were transported to a hospital in Kaya, the regional capital.
The attack’s victims included young civilians who had been helping soldiers dig trenches to protect the town from further attacks.
Despite the efforts of soldiers and auxiliary troops, who managed to neutralize several of the attackers, the situation remains dire.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana acknowledged the loss of civilians and military personnel in the attack, despite a response that included air support.
Burkina Faso’s government, which came to power in a September 2022 coup, has since expelled French troops and turned to Russia for military assistance.