28 Beninese troopers killed in assault close to Niger, Burkina Faso border as jihadist violence escalates

Twenty-eight troopers have been killed in an assault in northern Benin, in response to a safety supply on Thursday, as violence blamed on jihadists based mostly in neighbouring international locations will increase.

The high-ranking official stated the strike befell on Wednesday night close to the border with insurgency-hit Burkina Faso and Niger.

Assaults in northern Benin have elevated lately with authorities accusing members of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda teams based mostly in neighbouring international locations.

“We’re persevering with cleaning-up operations. Forty assailants have been neutralised to date,” the army supply stated.

The violence has largely struck the border space with Burkina Faso.

Gunmen in December killed three troopers and wounded 4 others who have been guarding an oil pipeline in northeast Benin.

In June, seven Beninese troops have been killed in an assault on the Pendjari Nationwide Park on the border with Burkina Faso.

Beninese authorities, who hardly ever touch upon assaults, reported in April 2023 about 20 cross-border incursions since 2021.

A diplomatic supply informed AFP that 121 Beninese army personnel had been killed between 2021 and December 2024.

‘Intensifying’

“At the moment, it’s clear that the menace is intensifying, the extra the state of affairs in Niger and Burkina Faso deteriorates, the tougher it will get for Benin,” the diplomatic supply stated earlier this week.

The supply added that the Beninese military was nonetheless “underneath building” and confronted the problem of coaching its forces whereas remaining operational.

“There are outcomes, (the Beninese military) can kill terrorists however don’t wish to talk about it so it isn’t at all times seen -– particularly in order to not inform the jihadists of their technique and since it’s anxiety-inducing”, the supply additionally stated.

Benin in January 2022 deployed almost 3,000 troops to safe its borders as a part of Operation Mirador.

The nation’s authorities additionally recruited 5,000 extra personnel to strengthen safety within the north.

America in November despatched $6.6 million price of armoured automobiles and defence tools to Benin, whereas the European Union earlier this 12 months introduced 47 million euros ($49 million) in anti-terror funding for the nation.

Washington’s help is “a beneficial help for the armed forces of their defence missions”, Beninese Defence Minister Fortunet Alain Nouatin stated on the time.

Neighbouring Ghana and Togo have additionally suffered jihadist assaults lately.