According to a report by BBC News on 30 September 2021, five government troops died and one was injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device in the north of the country. World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele comments:‚  "Burkina Faso has seen a sharp rise in Islamist activity since 2016 and the northern region has been most affected by the jihadist violence. The attacks, often attributed to groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda, have killed thousands, and forced more than 1.3 million to flee their homes. Owing to the porous borders in the Sahel, these militants have been able to broaden their reach and influence." Yonas Dembele continues: "Islamic fighters are increasingly targeting the security forces engaged in anti-jihadist operations. The violence in northern Burkina Faso is spreading, and while Christians have not been directly targeted recently, they are still as vulnerable to possible attack as ever. Additionally, there has been an uptick in violence in the Sahel and despite efforts by security forces to counter the threat, security has deteriorated. If Islamic militants continue to gain ground and expand their operations, Christians are likely to be increasingly targeted."