The al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for attacks on two Beninese army positions in northern regions near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger over the weekend.
The attacks resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers and the seizure of significant military equipment, including heavy artillery, rocket launchers, and drones.
According to Anadolu Agency, security sources confirmed that the Beninese army acknowledged the losses but did not release an official statement on the extent of the damages or casualties.
JNIM, notorious for its attacks across the Sahel and Sahara regions of West Africa, has regularly targeted military and security forces of the region’s governments.
Experts have warned that without urgent and coordinated responses, the security situation may worsen, and attacks could escalate, especially if nations fail to effectively secure their borders.
Attacks on Beninese military positions along the northern borders have increased recently. Authorities attribute this uptick to efforts by fighters from both ISIS and al-Qaeda attempting to enter the country via Niger and Burkina Faso.
In January, 28 soldiers were killed in an attack claimed by JNIM on the Beninese Armed Forces, which maintains roughly 5,000 troops stationed along its borders with neighboring countries.
Tensions have been rising between Benin and its neighbors following military coups in the Sahel, with coup leaders perceiving President Patrice Talon of Benin as a strong ally of France. Benin hosts French military bases, which some argue could threaten regional security and stability.
In mid-March, President Talon expressed concern over the deteriorating relations with Niger and Burkina Faso, highlighting that the lack of security cooperation with these countries has made it more difficult to combat terrorism in the region.
