Burkina Faso’s Transitional President, Captain Ibrahim TraorĂ©, has approved the establishment of three new Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) in Arbinda (North), Ougarou (East), and Diapaga (East) to bolster the fight against terrorism.
These battalions, which were created by presidential decree, are in addition to the twenty already active and aim to intensify the fight against terrorism in the country.
These new units will be tasked with intervening in the face of any threat to the integrity of the territory. They will also have to provide escort for large logistical convoys and participate in the fight against major banditry alongside the internal security forces.
In his New Year’s address, Captain TraorĂ© pledged to establish at least five more battalions in 2025 to intensify efforts to reclaim the “entirety” of Burkinabe territory from terrorist control.