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Gunmen have attacked a Catholic church in Burkina Faso’s northern village of Essakane during Sunday mass, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 worshippers, according to church officials.

Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, vicar-general of the Catholic Diocese of Dori, described the incident as a “terrorist attack,” with 12 individuals losing their lives at the site and three others succumbing to their injuries later. He also noted that two additional people were wounded in the assault. At the moment, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The violence in Essakane comes amid an escalating security crisis in Burkina Faso, where armed groups have launched numerous assaults, including targeting Christian congregations and abducting clergy members. In a statement, Sawadogo said, “In this painful circumstance, we invite you to pray for the rest in God for those who have died in faith, for the healing of the wounded and … for the conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country.”

The deteriorating security situation in Bukrina Faso, plagued by terrorist attacks, has led to half the country falling under the control of various groups. This has ultimately resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of over two million.