Turkey condemns terrorist attack in Burkina Faso

By Rabia Iclal Turan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey Tuesday condemned a deadly terrorist attack in the West African country of Burkina Faso.

"We are saddened by the terrorist attack against security forces in Soum State in northern Burkina Faso, claiming many lives and leaving several people injured," said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

The ministry condemned the “heinous attack” and offered condolences to the people and government of the country.

"We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives."

Dozens of soldiers were killed and several wounded in Soum, Burkina Faso late Monday. The death toll could rise as several soldiers remain missing, officials said.

Burkina Faso has been threatened by terrorist attacks since 2015.

On Dec. 27, 2018, a terrorist attack on security forces in Sourou State in northwestern Burkina Faso left 10 gendarmerie soldiers dead.

Following the attack, a state of emergency was declared in seven of the country’s 13 administrative regions.