Twenty-eight soldiers were killed in northern Benin in a deadly attack blamed on insurgents from neighboring countries, a security official confirmed on Thursday.
The attack occurred Wednesday evening near Benin’s border with Burkina Faso and Niger, regions plagued by insurgent violence. Authorities have attributed the rising violence in northern Benin to militant groups operating across the borders.
Military sources revealed that ongoing operations have resulted in the neutralization of 40 assailants so far.
The northern border area has witnessed increasing violence in recent years. In December, gunmen killed three soldiers and wounded four others guarding an oil pipeline in northeastern Benin. Earlier in June, seven troops were killed in an attack at Pendjari National Park near the Burkina Faso border.
Rising Threat
A diplomatic source reported that 121 Beninese soldiers have been killed since 2021, highlighting the growing threat linked to instability in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
“The worsening situation in Niger and Burkina Faso is intensifying the threat to Benin,” the source said. While the Beninese army has achieved some success against insurgents, its operational challenges remain significant as it works to enhance training and maintain readiness.
To counter the growing threat, Benin launched Operation Mirador in January 2022, deploying nearly 3,000 troops to secure its borders. Authorities have also recruited an additional 5,000 personnel to reinforce security in the north.
International support has played a key role in strengthening Benin’s defenses. In November, the United States provided $6.6 million worth of armored vehicles and defense equipment, while the European Union allocated €47 million ($49 million) earlier this year for anti-terrorism initiatives in the country.
Benin’s Defense Minister, Fortunet Alain Nouatin, praised the U.S. support, calling it a “valuable contribution” to the nation’s security efforts.
Neighboring Ghana and Togo have also experienced insurgent attacks in recent years, underscoring the regional challenges posed by militant groups.