 |
| JNIM, al-Qaeda's main affiliate in the Sahel, claimed responsibility for the attack |
Al-Qaeda-linked militants from the JNIM group killed 15 soldiers and wounded five others in an attack on a military outpost in Kofounou, northern Benin, on Wednesday, the country's army confirmed Thursday.
The attack targeted a base near the volatile border region with Niger and Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups have increased their cross-border operations in recent years.
JNIM, al-Qaeda's main affiliate in the Sahel, claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a sharp increase in militant activity spreading southward to the coastal states of West Africa.
Benin's army has stepped up its operations in the region, especially in border areas and national parks, but faces constant challenges from well-armed insurgents who use lightning-attack tactics.