According to the Department of Communication and Public Relations of the military institution, the incident occurred when a military unit that was carrying out a security operation east of the city of Natiaboani, in eastern Gourma province, was ambushed by unidentified men.

In response, however, the detachment succeeded to break out of the siege after neutralizing several attackers, said the source, quoted by AIB News Agency.

After stating that the Army’s General Staff honors the memory of the dead military men, the institution’s press release assured that the operations against extremist elements will continue in Burkina Faso, as part of efforts to protect the residents in violent areas.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been plunged into violence due to actions by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and other groups affiliated to Al Qaeda.

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