JNIM Attacks in Burkina Faso Leave Over 130 Dead

In mid-February 2023, coordinated attacks by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group JNIM resulted in over 130 deaths in Burkina Faso, including both soldiers and civilians. The attacks, which occurred between February 12 and February 22, demonstrated a high degree of coordination, with JNIM claiming responsibility for multiple assaults across various regions.

Notably, the group targeted the military base in Titao and conducted ambushes that killed dozens of soldiers and forestry officers. Heni Nsaibia, an analyst from the Conflict Monitor, noted that this uptick in violence follows a period of reduced activity from jihadist groups in the region.

The attacks are part of a broader trend of increasing violence in Burkina Faso, which has been under military rule since September 2022. The United Nations reported that JNIM has been expanding its operations, including appointing a senior leader to oversee activities in eastern Burkina Faso and neighboring countries.