DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Military forces in Burkina Faso killed 223 civilians, including babies and many children, in attacks on two villages accused of cooperating with militants, Human Rights Watch said in a report published Thursday.
The mass killings took place on Feb. 25 in the country’s northern villages of Nondin and Soro, and some 56 children were among the dead, according to the report. The human rights organization called on the United Nations and the African Union to provide investigators and to support local efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
“The massacres in Nondin and Soro villages are just the latest mass killings of civilians by the Burkina Faso military in their counterinsurgency operations,” Human Rights Watch Executive Director Tirana Hassan said in a statement. “International assistance is critical to support a credible investigation into possible crimes against humanity.”
Crystal Palace ensure Premier League safety by beating Newcastle 2
'Rose Sister' Leads Villagers to Prosperity
Reaping the Rewards of a Lifetime in the Fields
'Rose Sister' Leads Villagers to Prosperity
Xavi will stay with Barcelona for another season, AP sources say. Coach had planned to leave
Passionate Dream Chaser — Teacher Strives to Improve China's Rural Education
Connor Wong homers twice, Rafael Devers connects for solo shot as Red Sox hammer Guardians 8
Bringing History of Women Red Army Soldiers to Life
Twins' Castro hits birthday homer, lifts Minnesota to 6
Sign Language Interpreter Provides Words of Hope