At least 37 people have lost their lives in an attack on a mining convoy in Burkina Faso.
60 more people were wounded, law enforcement authorities say.
Five buses which were in the process of transporting members of staff of the Canadian firm Semafo, were ambushed about 40 kilometres from Boungou.
Media reports say that the attack is the third deadliest in 15 months on the mining firm Sefamo.
Burkina Faso is grappling with sustained violence said to have been triggered by an Islamist insurgency emanating from neighbouring Mali.
The company conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims, saying that its operations had not been affected.
"SEMAFO Inc. (TSX, OMX: SMF) (“SEMAFO”) regrets to report there was an attack on the road between Fada and the Boungou Mine site in the East region of Burkina Faso. The incident happened approximately 40 kilometres from the Boungou Mine. The convoy, escorted by military personnel, comprised five buses transporting SEMAFO national employees, contractors and suppliers. Information currently has several fatalities and injuries. We will issue a more fulsome statement when complete details are known. Boungou mine site remains secured and our operations are not affected. We are actively working with all levels of authorities to ensure the on-going safety and security of our employees, contractors and suppliers," the statement from Semafo read in part.