At least 28 killed in attack on Burkina army HQ
At least 28 people were killed on Friday in an attack on the military headquarters in Burkina Faso, three security sources, two in France and one in West Africa, told AFP.
Two of the sources said 28 people were killed and a third spoke of "around 30" dead in the attack in the capital Ouagadougou.
In a simultaneous attack, the French embassy was also targeted.
Burkinabe security sources gave a lower toll, saying 'around 15' people were killed, while the army's medical chief, Colonel Amado Kafando, said 75 others had been injured. It was unclear whether these figures applied to one or to both attacks.
Earlier, the government had announced that six assailants had been killed - four in the embassy attack and two in the second attack -- while state TV said seven members of the security forces had also died.
French government sources said there had been no French casualties and described the situation as 'under control'.
Speaking to state TV channel RTB, Information Minister Remis Fulgance Dandjinou said the attack had 'strong overtones of terrorism'.
More from Defence Notes
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.