JNIM Claims Killing of 200 Soldiers in Djibo Attack, Escalating Burkina Faso’s Security Crisis
Published on 15 May 2025
An al-Qaeda-linked armed group has claimed responsibility for one of the deadliest assaults in Burkina Faso’s recent history, stating it killed 200 soldiers during an attack on a military base in the northern town of Djibo, according to SITE Intelligence Group.
The attack, which reportedly began on Sunday morning, also targeted a police station and the town’s market, highlighting the growing operational reach of Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region. Local residents and security sources told Reuters that dozens of both soldiers and civilians lost their lives, though an official casualty count has not been released.
While Burkina Faso’s military has yet to confirm the death toll, a source from the army told Al Jazeera that JNIM was likely inflating the numbers for propaganda purposes.
SITE Intelligence, a U.S.-based group monitoring jihadist activity, confirmed that JNIM issued a formal statement taking credit for the operation. The group has ramped up its attacks across northern Burkina Faso over the past month.
Major Outpost Destroyed, Civilian Lives in Danger
Al Jazeera’s West Africa correspondent Nicolas Haque, reporting from Dakar, stated that the Djibo military outpost—once considered a stronghold protecting roughly 200,000 residents—was completely overrun and destroyed during the multi-day assault.
“This is one of the deadliest attacks in Burkina Faso,” Haque said. “It undermines claims by military ruler Ibrahim Traore that the government is regaining control of national territory.”
The attack comes as Traore visits Russia to seek increased military support from President Vladimir Putin, including training and arms, in an effort to push back against the armed groups spreading across the Sahel.
Widening Conflict in the Sahel
JNIM, a group aligned with al-Qaeda, has also claimed responsibility for another deadly assault this week in Loroum province, where it alleged 60 soldiers were killed. SITE Intelligence further reported that the group raided a military post in the town of Solé, although the timing of that incident remains unclear.
Burkina Faso’s military junta took power in 2022 amid promises to restore national security. However, more than 60% of the country is now believed to be outside government control, with armed groups increasingly shifting from attacking remote villages to directly targeting towns.
A video circulated on social media by JNIM warned residents to evacuate towns like Djibo or face future attacks, suggesting the group aims to consolidate territorial control.
“These are no longer isolated rural skirmishes,” Haque added. “JNIM appears to be attempting a full-scale takeover of key towns.”
Silence from Authorities
So far, Burkina Faso’s government has not officially commented on the attacks. The silence has drawn criticism, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of militant operations across the country.
Bottom Line:
The recent attacks underscore the growing challenge for Burkina Faso’s military leadership. As JNIM escalates its efforts to seize control of towns, the country’s stability remains in jeopardy, with civilians caught in the crossfire and military morale deeply shaken.
