SANMATENGA, BURKINA FASO – I know I have said this more times than I care to remember but terrorists do stoop to new lows with disturbing frequency.
Terrorists are a loathsome breed, aren’t they?
I don’t want to get dragged into the whole ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter‘ argument where some violent actors are seen as ‘heroes‘, valiantly struggling for the forces of good. This is not a Robin Hood-type story (besides, Robin Hood was a legend, not a real person).
The truth is that most terrorists are awful people. They maim and kill innocent civilians most of the time and try to sell their acts as attempts either to right wrongs or fulfill God’s duty (hello ISIS!). There is nothing ‘heroic‘ about this.
Take today’s attack.
On this day in 2019
At least 29 people were killed after a food convoy and a transport truck were attacked in Burkina Faso, most likely by jihadis. In two different incidents the first targeted the convoy resulting in the deaths of 14 civilians, while in the second the truck hit an explosive device in Sanmatenga province, killing 15 people and wounding six.
This drama comes as important security efforts are underway in this region. Military reinforcements have been deployed.
Government spokesperson
I don’t know about you but attacking a food convoy and a transport truck strikes me as pretty low-hanging fruit. Can someone please tell me how these acts ‘right wrongs’?
I am waiting.
Read More Today in Terrorism
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On May 31, 1906 a Spanish anarchist threw a bomb hoping to hit King Alfonso XIII, killing 24 and wounding more than 100.
May 30, 2009: Anti-government group bombs TV station in Ecuador
On May 30, 2009 two pamphlet-bombs exploded outside an Ecuadorian TV station and ministry: no victims or significant damage ensued.
May 29, 2016: ISIS uses chlorine gas in terrorist attack
On May 29, 2016 35 civilians were wounded in an ISIS attack using rockets containing chlorine gas in Iraq’s Nineveh Province.
