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A Burkina Faso justice official says a military court has issued an international arrest warrant for former President Blaise Compaore for the assassination of the country's revolutionary leader.

Ex-President Thomas Sankara was killed along with 12 of his supporters in 1987 during a bloody coup that saw Compaore take power.

The investigation into Sankara's death was reopened after the ouster of Compaore in October 2014 in a popular uprising. Remains believed to be those of Sankara were exhumed earlier this year and are being examined.

Military tribunal director Col. Sita Sangare confirmed the arrest warrant Monday. Compaore is living in exile in Ivory Coast.

Compaore ally Col. Gilbert Diendere has also been charged in connection with Sankara's killing, and authorities have arrested several former presidential guard members.