Cotonou – A joint force of Beninese security forces and park rangers has suffered a devastating loss after a deadly ambush in the country’s National Park W. At least seven security personnel and five rangers were killed in the attack, which occurred on Wednesday near the Mékrou River.
The vast park, shared with Burkina Faso and Niger, has become a growing hotspot for militant activity. The attack is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the escalating security crisis in the region.
While the perpetrators remain unidentified, the region has seen increased presence of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda. These groups have been expanding their reach from the Sahel into coastal West African nations, including Benin.
Beninese authorities have yet to provide an official statement on the attack, a common practice in the face of growing insecurity.
