There was worldwide condemnation of the attack, as well as expressions of support for Burkina Faso. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bloodshed, but jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has been blamed on militants linked to both Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups. In Burkina Faso, more than 700 people have been killed and around 560,000 internally displaced, according to the United Nations. Prior to Tuesday’s attack, Burkina security forces said they had killed around 100 jihadists in several operations since November. Attacks have intensified this year as the under-equipped, poorly trained Burkina Faso army struggles to contain the Islamist militancy.

Source: Punch December 25, 2019 18:33 UTC