Suspected terrorists have attacked a village in Burkina Faso, killing at least 12 civilians, including nine members of a volunteer force that supports the military, local and security sources said on Tuesday.

A series of attacks was carried out against the military and the (VDP) civilian volunteer force on Saturday and Sunday in different parts of the country, a security source said.

In one, the suspected terrorists attacked the central-eastern village of Dourtenga on Sunday, killing nine VDP members including their leader, a local official told AFP.

A woman was among three other people killed, the source said.

Caused damage

"They caused damage in the village, ransacking several shops and setting others on fire," a resident said, adding that the attack and gunfire went on for more than an hour.

"Calm has returned but since yesterday (Monday), many people have been fleeing the village fearing another incursion," the resident said.

Last month, an Al Qaeda-affiliated group claimed responsibility for several attacks on the army and volunteer force.

More than 130 people were killed in around 10 days, according to the ACLED conflict monitor.

The government of Burkina Faso says it has retaken nearly three-quarters of territory previously under the control of terrorists, and resettled more than a million people who had fled the violence.