The United States strongly condemns the August 18 attack against civilians and security forces near the village of Boukouma in Soum province in Burkina Faso. We stand together with our Burkinabe partners and remain united in our common fight against the extremist forces that seek to attack and undermine the long history of peaceful coexistence in Burkina Faso. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, we wish a speedy recovery to those injured, and we lower our flag to half-mast in solidarity during the 72 hours of national mourning.