30 killed in Burkina Faso rebel attack

The massacre comes just a week after two Spanish journalists and an Irish national were killed in the West African country.

CAPE TOWN, May 5 (ANA) – Over a dozen civilians were killed in fresh attacks in the West African country of Burkina Faso on Monday.

According to local and international media sources, the attack occurred in Kodyel village in the Komandjari province on Monday near the border with Niger.

Government official Labidi Ouoba confirmed the attack after fleeing the scene, reported news agency AP.

An official from a local self-defence group told AFP news agency that the incident happened early in the morning when some people were still in their homes.

If estimates of the number killed are correct, it would make the attack one of the deadliest ever in Burkina Faso, reported the BBC.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspected jihadists are thought to be behind it.

The massacre comes just a week after two Spanish journalists and an Irish national, who were part of an anti-poaching patrol, were killed in the West African country.

The Spanish nationals were working on a documentary on how Burkina Faso’s authorities are tackling poaching and on the communities living in the nature park, Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya told reporters.

The Irish citizen was working in anti-poaching operations, according to Irish media outlet The Journal.

Islamist attacks are increasingly common in the country, especially in regions bordering Niger and Mali.

Burkina Faso is facing a deepening security crisis, as are many of its neighbours, as Islamist armed groups carry out raids and kidnappings across much of the region.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher