An armed assault on a military base in northern Burkina Faso has left approximately 50 soldiers dead, local sources reported on Tuesday.

According to accounts from a community leader and a resident, the attack took place on Monday at the military base in Dargo, Boulsa province, in the country’s northern region.

Witnesses said around 100 armed militants were involved in the assault. Following the attack, the assailants reportedly looted and set fire to the base.

The military government has not yet issued any public statement regarding the incident.

Burkina Faso has faced a sharp escalation in attacks from armed groups, many of which have seized control over large areas of the country, particularly outside the capital.

The worsening security crisis has driven major political upheavals in recent years, leading to successive coups. Despite efforts by the military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, including shifts in political and military alliances, the government has struggled to curb the influence and violence of Islamist armed groups. (ILKHA)