More than 400 militants were killed in a military operation against armed groups in Burkina Faso, according to an army statement released on June 30. The clashes occurred in the Gayéri area of the Sirba region and in Solhan and Sebba of the Liptako region after coordinated attacks on several military positions last Tuesday. The army said the assaults were repelled with support from the air force.

The statement claimed that the attackers were armed groups supported by France, noting that the government had earlier announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France. During the counteroffensive, the army reported destroying over 250 motorcycles and seizing 353 weapons of various calibers, along with ammunition and communication equipment. Three soldiers were also killed in the operation.

The army added that operations are continuing to locate those who fled and to ensure the safety of civilians in the affected regions.