2021 Markoye Department attacks

The jihadists launched several attacks against villages in Markoye department at around noon on August 4, 2021.^[3] The villages of Dambam, Guevara, and Tokabangou, all of which are located ten kilometers from the department capital of Markoye, were attacked, along with the villages of Badnoogo, Bassian, and Gadba.^[4][5] The attackers stole livestock and raided and torched homes.^[5][6]

Pro-government Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) militants based at the Burkinabe garrison in Markoye were dispatched to combat the attacks, but were ambushed near Tokabangou.^[4] On August 5, the Burkinabe Ministry of Defense stated that the area that was attacked was under government control, and that government forces had launched a counteroffensive to find the perpetrators.^[4][7]

The Burkinabe Ministry of Defense stated that fifteen Burkinabe soldiers, four VDP militiamen, and eleven civilians were killed in the attacks throughout the department.^[7] Burkinabe officials and RFI stated that at least ten jihadists were killed or injured during the attack.^[7][8] A fifth VDP militiamen was killed in a jihadist attack that same day in Pensa, Centre-Nord Region.^[7] The attacks were the deadliest day for the Burkinabe government since the Solhan and Tadaryat massacres in June 2021.^[8]

The Burkinabe Chief of Staff Moise Miningou visited Markoye on August 7 and spoke to the survivors.^[9] The fallen soldiers were buried in the Dori Military Cemetery in Dori on August 8, with their funerals being attended by various high-ranking military officials.^[10]

On November 1, 2021, ten civilians were killed in an attack between Dambam and Markoye by jihadists.^[11][12]