Armed militants kill 37, wound 60 in Burkina Faso

A fatal attack on the convoy of a mining company in Burkina Faso by heavily armed militants has killed at least 37 people and wounded 60 others.

Reports said a military escort vehicle was reportedly struck by an explosive device before gunmen opened fire on five buses carrying staff of Canadian firm Semafo.

The vehicles were ambushed on Wednesday about 40km (24 miles) from the eastern town of Boungou.

According to local authorities, the attack is said to be the third deadliest on Semafo staff in 15 months.

The company said its operations had not been affected and offered condolences to the families of the victims, none of whom have been named.

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“We are actively working with all levels of authorities to ensure the ongoing safety and security of our employees, contractors and suppliers,” the firm said in a statement.

The development comes a day after the French government deployed soldiers to Burkina Faso in a bid to quell consistent attacks by armed militants in the country, which according to reports, occurs almost on a daily basis.

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