#BREAKING | At least 15 members of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) were killed in an ambush by militants from the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS-Sahel) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The attack occurred between Tokabangou and Markoye in Burkina Faso.
The IS-Sahel group reportedly claimed responsibility for the ambush, stating they burned 20 motorcycles and seized three additional bikes along with 13 rifles. This incident marks a significant escalation in violence in the region, which has been grappling with increasing attacks from extremist groups.
Burkina Faso has faced a surge in militant activity over the past few years, with both local and foreign jihadist groups exploiting the security vacuum in the Sahel region. The VDP, a civilian militia formed to support the military in combating terrorism, has been increasingly targeted as they engage in operations against these militants.
The aftermath of this ambush raises concerns about the safety of local defense forces and the effectiveness of Burkina Faso's counter-terrorism efforts. As previously reported, the situation in the Sahel continues to deteriorate, prompting urgent calls for enhanced international support to stabilize the region.
