Seven Benin soldiers killed by gunmen in national park attack, army source saysGunmen killed seven Benin soldiers in an attack in the north of the country in Pendjari national park, an army source and a security source said on WednesdayThe sources did not identify the gunmen but the attack on Tuesday was the latest in a border area where Benin faces growing spillover from a jihadist conflicts in the Sahel and where criminal gangs and smugglers also operate. "The information about the loss of seven of our compatriots is confirmed," an army source said when asked about the attack. Another security source also confirmed the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility and the army has yet to comment officially. Benin's government rarely comments about violence on its borders, but officials have acknowledged that since 2021 they have seen around 20 incursions.

Source: Washington Post June 05, 2024 14:36 UTC