Ouagadougou: The month of October witnessed intensified military operations in Burkina Faso, aiming to reclaim national territory through large-scale air strikes and coordinated ground actions targeting terrorist groups in regions such as Goulmou, Yaadga, Liptako, and Bankui. Initial reports reveal the neutralization of numerous terrorist leaders, destruction of bases, and seizure of arms depots and logistical equipment.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), supported by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) and special units, continued their efforts to restore territorial integrity as the rainy season concluded. The Fighting Forces executed numerous offensive operations, frequently supported by air power, to address significant security challenges.
In the Liptako region, terrorists specializing in drone attacks on convoys were located and destroyed by precise airstrikes on October 8. A survivor, tracked to Pobe Mengao, led forces to his base, resulting in the neutralization of commanding officers. The last surviving terrorist was eliminated while attempting to flee.
On October 9, in the Yaadga area, air assets were deployed to support the Koumbri position under attack, resulting in neutralizing several attackers and recovering logistical resources. Surveillance operations in the Foube and Kelbo areas also identified and struck enemy positions, preventing further attacks.
Following a setback against the 22nd Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) in Djibo on October 10, fleeing terrorists were targeted and eliminated by air forces in the Bouro village market. A terrorist headquarters in Kenou, near Baraboule, was also destroyed on the same day.
In the Goulmou region, soldiers in Bagamoussa repelled a large-scale attack on October 11, causing attackers to abandon vehicles and flee. A reconnaissance unit, "Phantom," intercepted terrorists in Kiparga, leading to a brief skirmish and enemy retreat. Subsequent operations in Koutougou, Bangaye, and the Natiaboani forest resulted in further neutralization of terrorist elements.
Coordinated strikes on October 17 and 18 targeted terrorist positions near Djibo and Nassoumbou, resulting in the destruction of buildings, weapon depots, ammunition, and cash. An influential terrorist leader's home in Kabonga was destroyed on October 17, and another leader was neutralized in Kamseogo on October 23.
These operations underscore the Fighting Forces' resolve to reclaim national territory and restore security across Burkina Faso.