Burkina Faso Forces Achieve Key Military Victories Against Terrorists

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso’s armed forces reported significant victories in their ongoing battle against terrorism, with operations conducted from February 10 to February 28, 2025, demonstrating determination and strategic prowess.

On February 28, the 20th Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) launched Operation ‘Tourbillon’ in Gayérie, marking a decisive turning point in the fight. After intense combat against terrorist positions, BIR soldiers successfully reclaimed a key stronghold located about 20 kilometers from Gayérie. During the battle, enemy reinforcements attempted to assist those besieged, but they were thwarted by a powerful aerial missile strike that ended their hopes of support.

“The position was fully reclaimed, and we recovered a substantial cache of military weapons before returning to base,” said a BIR commander.

Previously, on February 26, a detachment in Nouna outmaneuvered several assassin groups, while on February 25 in Bango, Ouahigouya, air units responded to an alert and intercepted an enemy column. Initial airstrikes decimated the attackers, and a follow-up strike eliminated a group trying to flee.

That same day in Sollé, an enemy attack on a forward post was met with fierce resistance, forcing the assailants to retreat and abandon equipment. Meanwhile, in Lankoue, the BIR executed offensive operations against criminal groups, reclaiming stolen livestock in the Bourasso zone.

Intelligence revealed on February 23 that a large group of terrorists was mobilizing near Tin-Akoff, moving toward Zarmakoye, northeast of the Oursi wetland. Early morning airstrikes targeted the enemy positions, causing significant disarray. Combat drones subsequently neutralized fleeing survivors, resulting in the recovery of a vast array of weapons and equipment.

On February 21, there was a failed assault on a forward post in Sollé, where the swift response from defense forces compelled the attackers to withdraw, leaving behind military hardware. The following day, security forces intercepted a group of terrorists in Ouanobia, seizing stolen cattle and restoring some property to local communities afflicted by ongoing lootings.

The 21st BIR’s intelligence unit also reported on February 21 intercepting an enemy pick-up truck approximately 20 kilometers from Kantchari. The terrorists abandoned the vehicle upon sensing danger but not before a targeted strike destroyed the pick-up and its cargo.

On February 17, BIR soldiers laid an ambush for criminals in Sanaba, neutralizing several terrorists and retrieving military equipment. In Diapaga, an attack on a military outpost resulted in a major defeat for the assailants, who left behind casualties and arms.

Earlier in February, the 21st BIR intercepted enemy lookout posts in Titao attempting to deploy improvised explosive devices. In another operation on February 15, forces in Bourzanga neutralized criminals in an ambush, while units in Konankoira also eliminated several assailants.

From February 10-11, the 10th BIR conducted offensive operations in Samporo, neutralizing several criminals and seizing substantial military supplies. In a joint offensive on February 10, forces from Barga and the 21st BIR targeted a temporary criminal base in Dinguila, successfully dismantling their logistical infrastructure and minimizing future threats.

The culmination of these operations underscores the bravery of Burkina Faso’s fighting forces and their commitment to restoring peace and security to the nation.