More than 400 suspected militants were killed after Burkina Faso's military launched counteroffensives to repel coordinated attacks on three military positions in the country's east earlier this week, authorities have reported.
According to the country’s military, armed groups attacked positions in Gayéri, Solhan and Sebba on June 30 before soldiers, backed by airstrikes and members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP), launched counterattacks that pushed back the attackers.
More than 400 attackers were killed during the fighting, according to the army, which described the operation as one of its biggest victories against armed groups in recent months.
“Targeted airstrikes and ground fighting neutralised over 400 terrorists and recovered a significant cache of equipment, including over 250 motorcycles, 353 weapons of all calibres, ammunition and communication equipment,” the military said in a statement.
However, three soldiers were killed in the clashes while several others were wounded.
“The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces pays tribute to the memory of our three heroes who fell in defence of the homeland, two in Solhan and one in Gayeri and wishes a speedy recovery to our wounded,” the army said.
“Security operations are continuing and intensifying throughout the areas to track down those fleeing and guarantee the safety of citizens.
The latest violence reflects continuing insecurity in Burkina Faso, where armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have carried out attacks for years despite repeated military operations.
The development also came a day after Burkina Faso severed diplomatic relations with France, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries. Ouagadougou defended the decision by stressing that the basic conditions for maintaining constructive relations with Paris are no longer in place.
"The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relations with France with effect from today, June 26, 2026," Burkina Faso said.
"The essential conditions for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in place.”
Paris later expressed regret over the decision, strongly criticising the move as hostile and unfounded and warning that it was considering reciprocal measures.
“France regrets this hostile and unfounded decision, which illustrates the worrying drift of the Burkinabè authorities. The necessary reciprocal measures are currently under review,” Paris said.
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