Burkina Faso: More than 40 people killed in terrorist attack

At least 35 civilians and seven security forces were killed in a terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso. The communications minister of the West African country, Remis Fulgance Dandjinou, said on state television. According to the armed forces, 80 attackers were "neutralized" and around 20 other people were injured.

A large number of terrorists started the attack on the Arbinda military camp and civilians at the same time, the military said. The fighting continued for several hours. Soldiers and police officers finally stopped the attack with the support of the Air Force. Initially, no terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to the government, 31 of the 35 civilian victims are women. The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Marc Kaboré, announced two national days of mourning to commemorate the victims. The flags on all public buildings would be set to half mast at the time, it said in a message from the head of state.

A number of armed groups are active in the countries of the Sahel region - an area that extends south of the Sahara from the Atlantic to the Red Sea - some of whom have sworn allegiance to the terrorist groups "Islamic State" or Al Qaeda. Attacks and attacks occur repeatedly, especially in Mali and in the neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger. In early December, 14 people were killed in an attack on a church in Burkina Faso. In Mali, around 1,000 Bundeswehr soldiers participate in a UN stabilization mission.