Benin Republic’s military conducted an offensive operation overnight Thursday into Friday in the Karimama commune near the Niger border, resulting in the neutralization of nine armed assailants. This action followed an incident in nearby Kantoro, where an improvised explosive device (IED) attack led to the death of one soldier and injuries to two others.
The operation involved coordinated aerial and ground assaults, successfully dismantling a significant logistics hub utilized by the assailants. While the identities of the attackers have not been officially confirmed, the region has experienced an uptick in assaults attributed to jihadist groups extending their reach from neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
In response to escalating threats, Benin deployed nearly 3,000 troops under Operation Mirador in January 2022 to secure its northern borders. Additionally, the government has recruited 5,000 personnel to bolster security efforts in the region. Despite these measures, attacks have persisted, including a recent incident in February where six soldiers were killed, prompting the army to neutralize 17 assailants in retaliation.
The United States and Benin recently signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to enhance collaboration between the Beninese Armed Forces and the U.S. Army, aiming to strengthen security and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Observers express concern over the spillover of violence into Benin’s northern territories, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address underlying political and social issues exploited by extremist groups for recruitment and justification of their campaigns.
