News of the day: Motorcycle raids, a mode of action favored by armed groups
In the tri-border region, motorcycle raids have become a common strategy used by armed groups to storm military bases. A recent attack that occurred in Djibo on November 26, 2023 highlighted the effectiveness of this mode of action. Images broadcast by Burkina Faso television, RTB, show hundreds of fighters on motorcycles and pick-ups sweeping through the city. RFI’s Info Verif unit analyzed these images to better understand how the attack unfolded.
From the start of the video, we can observe members of armed groups arriving in large numbers from the north of Djibo, towards the military base located a few kilometers away. These scenes, filmed from the sky by an aerial vector, suggest the presence of several aircraft in the area during the attack.
The Burkinabè army reacted appropriately to this attack by inflicting significant losses on the adversary. The attackers attempted to enter the base by destroying the southern wall using an armored vehicle used as a ram car. However, the army quickly responded, including carrying out precision airstrikes. Accounts close to the junta do not specify the weapons used, but it is known that the Burkinabè army has drones equipped with small guided munitions.
This attack in Djibo highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups in the tri-border region. The jihadists’ ability to carry out motorcycle raids allows them to overwhelm the defenses of military bases and increase their impact on the ground. It is therefore essential that security forces strengthen their surveillance and response systems to deal with this new form of attack.
In summary, motorcycle raids have become a formidable weapon used by armed groups in the three-border region. The attack that occurred in Djibo on November 26, 2023 showed the vulnerability of military bases to this mode of action. It is crucial that security forces take adequate measures to counter this growing threat. The search for images and the analysis of recent events allow us to better understand the functioning of armed groups and to develop effective defense strategies.