12 soldiers killed in ambush in northeastern Burkina Faso

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 12 soldiers were killed in an ambush on Sunday in northeastern Burkina Faso, the government said Monday.

In a statement, Communications Minister Ousseni Tamboura said the ambush targeted a joint military group, including land forces and Rapid Action and Intervention Group, near the village of Dounkou, Toeni Commune, in the Boucle du Mouhoun region.

“Provisional toll stands at 12 soldiers killed and three injured. Seven are still missing,” the statement added.

The West African country has been marred by repeated terror attacks which have claimed many lives over the past five years and displaced thousands of people, especially in its north and east.

At least 7,000 people have been displaced in conflict-hit regions of Burkina Faso, following recent attacks, the EU said late June.