Burkina Faso reports dozens of terrorists killed in airstrikes Bachmut keeps but Ukrainians’ morale is low

The West African state of Burkina Faso carries out airstrikes in the north and east of the country against rebel groups. At least 110 terrorists were killed within days, the state news agency AIB reported on Tuesday evening. An army spokesman confirmed the offensive without citing casualties. Since last week, a curfew and a driving ban on certain types of motorcycles have been in effect in the north of Burkina Faso.

As in the neighboring states of Mali and Niger, the Sahel state with a population of about 21 million is home to armed groups, some of whom have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda terror groups. The interim government of President Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in the autumn after a military coup, has so far tried in vain to push back the jihadists. In February, some 70 soldiers died in attacks within days, and civilians also fall victim again and again.

At least 60 civilians were killed in a militia attack in the east of the country at the end of February, according to local reports. Gunmen raided a community in the Tapoa region on Feb. 26, killing people, destroying property and capturing livestock, according to the Burkinabe Human and Peoples’ Rights Movement. There was no official information about the victims. Residents of the region called for stronger protection. The governor of the region said security measures were underway. (sda/dpa)