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Burkina Faso Mosque Attack Claims 16

Agence France-Presse

   OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO - Armed men stormed a mosque in the volatile
   north of Burkina Faso as worshippers were at prayer, killing 16 people
   and sending residents fleeing, security sources and locals said
   Saturday.

   The attack on the Grand Mosque in the town of Salmossi on Friday
   evening underscores the difficulties faced by the country in its battle
   against jihadists.

   One source said 13 people died at the scene and three succumbed to
   their injuries later. Two of the wounded are in critical condition.

   "Since this morning, people have started to flee the area," one
   resident from the nearby town of Gorom-Gorom said.

   He said there was a "climate of panic despite military reinforcements"
   that were deployed after the deadly attack.

   Although hit by jihadist violence, many Burkinabes oppose the presence
   of foreign troops -- notably from former colonial ruler France -- on
   their territory.

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