Benin’s northern region has witnessed a surge in violence, with clashes between armed groups and the military resulting in 10 deaths, including one soldier.
The country’s government attributes these attacks to jihadi groups seeking to expand their influence from neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
In response to the escalating violence, Benin’s army launched an offensive operation, neutralizing nine terrorists and destroying a key logistics hub.
The operation was carried out in the commune of Karimama, near the border with Niger.
The attacks in Benin’s north have raised concerns about the potential spillover of violence from neighboring countries.
In February, six Beninese soldiers were killed by unidentified gunmen, and 28 soldiers were killed in an attack claimed by an Al Qaida-linked group in January.
Benin has taken steps to strengthen its security, deploying nearly 3,000 troops to secure its borders as part of Operation Mirador in January 2022. The country has also recruited 5,000 additional personnel to reinforce security in the north.
Recently, the United States and Benin signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration between their armed forces.
