Attack on mining convoy kills 37 in Burkina Faso
Online Desk
At least 37 people have been killed and 60 wounded in an attack on a mining company convoy in Burkina Faso, authorities say.
Five buses carrying staff of Canadian firm Semafo were ambushed on Wednesday about 40km (24 miles) from the eastern town of Boungou, reports say, reports BBC.
A military escort vehicle was reportedly struck by an explosive device before gunmen opened fire.
It is said to be the third deadliest on Semafo staff in 15 months.
The West African country has been wracked by an Islamist insurgency that has killed hundreds of people in recent years.
The military has struggled to contain violence that spilled over the border from neighbouring Mali.
Semafo ramped up its security last year after attacks near its two mines in the country.
The latest attack happened on a road between Fada and its mine in Boungou, the company said.
The company said its operations had not been affected and offered condolences to the families of the victims, none of whom have been named.
"We are actively working with all levels of authorities to ensure the ongoing safety and security of our employees, contractors and suppliers," the firm said in a statement.
What's happening in Burkina Faso?
Jihadist attacks have increased in Burkina Faso since 2015.
The conflict spread across the border from neighbouring Mali, where Islamist militants took over the north of the country in 2012 before French troops pushed them out.
About 500,000 people in Burkina Faso have been forced to flee their homes over the past three months, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
Last month, 20 people were killed in an attack on a gold-mining site in the north.
Days later, thousands protested in the capital Ouagadougou to denounce violence in their country and the presence of foreign military forces in the region.
- Imrul guides Challengers to first win in BPL
- Violence against women protested at an event in city
- Bangladesh moves one step ahead in HDI
- 1 killed, 25 injured in Keraniganj plastic factory fire
- Khaleda Zia's health report at SC
- ‘Panipat’ screening suspended at Indian theaters following protests
- 2.7 km of Padma Bridge visible
- Chinese citizen body recovered from Banani
- 'World's first' fully-electric commercial flight takes off
- Produce medicines for leprosy patients: PM
- 6 killed in New Jersey shooting
- Suu Kyi denies 'genocidal intent'
- 8 CCTV cameras installed in apex court
- ACC files charge sheet against Sinha, 10 others
- Rajshahi war criminal Tipu to die
- 1 killed, 25 injured in Keraniganj plastic factory fire
- Suu Kyi to lead genocide defense at World Court
- Violence against women protested at an event in city
- Chelsea hold on to qualify for last 16
- Khaleda Zia's health report at SC