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A deadly attack in Burkina Faso has claimed the lives of dozens of Muslims at a mosque in the eastern part of the country, coinciding with another attack on Catholics during mass.

In a statement, Security Forces in Burkina Faso said, “Armed individuals attacked a mosque in Natiaboani on Sunday around 5am, resulting in several dozen being killed.” The violence targeted worshippers who had gathered for morning prayers. This large-scale attack targeted not only civilians but also members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian force aiding the military.

Another local source recounted the attack, stating, “The terrorists entered the town early morning. They surrounded the mosque and shot at the faithful, who were gathered there for the first prayer of the day. Several of them were shot, including an important religious leader.”

This comes days after a Catholic church in northern Burkina Faso was the site of another attack where at least 15 civilians were killed during Sunday mass.