At least 38 civilians have been killed in a series of attacks in Burkina Faso, highlighting the growing insecurity caused by jihadist groups in the region.
According to Human Rights Watch, the killings occurred in multiple incidents between late January and February. Militants also reportedly abducted nine women during one of the attacks.
The violence has been attributed to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an armed group linked to Al-Qaeda that operates across the Sahel.
Deadly attacks on villages and towns
Human Rights Watch documented three separate attacks over the period.
In one incident near the northern village of Solle, militants abducted nine women and threatened them before releasing them the following day.
On February 14, fighters launched an assault on a military base in the town of Titao. During the raid, at least 34 civilians were killed, while homes and telecommunications facilities were burned.
Days later, another attack struck the eastern town of Manni, where four shopkeepers were killed and several businesses were destroyed.
Growing crisis in the Sahel
Burkina Faso has been facing an escalating insurgency since 2015, with jihadist groups expanding their operations across the region.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes across the Sahel.
Analysts say armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and other extremist networks have increasingly targeted civilians, villages and security forces as they attempt to extend their influence into neighboring countries such as Benin.
