Benin’s military has suffered significant casualties following an attack on one of its most fortified northern outposts, where forces have been battling Islamist militants crossing from neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, the head of the national guard confirmed on Thursday.
Colonel Faizou Gomina refrained from specifying the number of casualties or the exact location of the attack on Wednesday. However, opposition party The Democrats reported that approximately 30 soldiers were killed in the Alibori region, which borders the conflict-ridden countries.
“We’ve been struck a severe blow,” Gomina stated. He urged military leaders to refine their strategies and improve leadership, underscoring the critical need for enhanced tactics.
“The target was one of our most secure and heavily fortified positions,” Gomina continued. “It’s time for officers and section chiefs to rise to the occasion. We have battles ahead of us.”
In recent years, both Benin and its neighbour Togo have faced mounting threats from militants affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda, with their influence spreading beyond the Sahel to the coast of West Africa.