Al Qaeda-linked group claims responsibility for attacks on military bases in Benin

By Kabir Adeniyi

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – JNIM, an Al Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on two military bases last week in Benin that left 70 soldiers dead

The group released the statement over the weekend on its social media channels, referring to raids last Thursday on two military posts on the country’s northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

It also published images of looted gear, including US M2HB heavy machine guns, Chinese PP87 mortars, drones, rocket launchers and over 300 ammo magazines.

While the Beninese military has yet to release a statement, security sources admitted that many soldiers were killed and reinforcements have been deployed to contain the situation.

JNIM has a history of aggression in the region. In January, it launched an attack on a military outpost in northern Benin, killing at least 28 soldiers.

Analysts warn that without urgent action to address the incessant attacks, the situation in the Sahel region will continue to deteriorate.