Burkina Faso has reported that dozens of people were killed at a mosque and a church during early-morning prayers. The attackers are suspected to be Islamist fighters who also targeted soldiers and a self-defence militia stationed nearby. The attack occurred in Natiaboani town, where more than a third of Burkina Faso is currently under the control of Islamist insurgents. Local media describes a massive invasion by hundreds of machine gun-wielding militants on motorbikes. Unverified reports on social media suggest the death toll from the mosque attack could be much higher than the official count. The attacks are part of a larger insurgency in Burkina Faso, with more than two million people forced from their homes and a quarter of all children under five stunted growth due to hunger. The military seized power two years ago promising to win the battle against insurgents, but the violence continues.
