Burkina Faso's junta said it had uncovered an international plot to overthrow it and which included the massacre in August of hundreds of civilians by Islamist insurgents.Some critics and analysts however said the junta's statement was an attempt to deflect blame for the killings and security situation in the country.

Islamist insurgents in Burkina Faso have stepped up attacks on civilians, carrying out door-to-door killings, slitting throats and attacking Christian worshippers, a report by campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) says.

DAKAR (Reuters) - Jihadist groups in Burkina Faso have escalated attacks on civilians, often in retaliation against communities for refusing to join their ranks or allegedly collaborating with government troops, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

Islamist armed groups in Burkina Faso have escalated their attacks on civilians, massacring villagers, displaced people, and Christian worshipers.

Jihadist groups have escalated their attacks on civilians, especially Christians, in recent months, reports the Human Rights Watch organization that conducts research and advocacy.

Burkina Faso's prime minister said on Wednesday scores of civilians killed in an attack by Islamist militants while digging defensive trenches on army orders had not been adequately protected.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Wednesday that Islamist groups in Burkina Faso have intensified their attacks on civilians, resulting in a surge of violence and fatalities amid the ongoing