Gunmen killed three soldiers in Benin near the Niger border during an attack on an oil pipeline. Four others were injured in the latest incident amid rising jihadist violence in West Africa. The soldiers were part of Operation Mirador, which aims to secure borders against extremist threats, as Benin steps up military strength in response to the ongoing danger.

On Monday, gunmen targeted soldiers guarding an oil pipeline in northeastern Benin, resulting in the deaths of three military personnel. Additionally, four soldiers sustained injuries and are currently receiving emergency medical care. This attack comes amid increasing jihadist violence in West Africa, particularly near the border with Niger, which has been experiencing similar assaults in recent years. The soldiers were operating under Operation Mirador, aimed at enhancing security along Benin’s borders.

Malanville, the site of the attack, lies directly on the border with Niger, where the broader region, including Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced escalating violence attributed to jihadist groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. The oil pipeline attacked is significant, connecting Niger’s oil fields to the Benin coast. The Beninese military has experienced heightened assaults, with an incident in June resulting in the deaths of seven soldiers, further underscoring the security challenges facing the nation.

In response to these growing threats, Operation Mirador was initiated in 2022, deploying approximately 3,000 troops to bolster border security, with plans to add 5,000 additional forces. The U.S. and the European Union have also contributed support, with the U.S. providing $6.6 million in military aid and the EU committing $49 million to anti-terrorism efforts in Benin. As violence spills over from neighboring countries, security in the region remains a critical concern.

Benin has recently encountered a significant rise in jihadist violence, similar to neighboring nations in the Sahel. The attacks on military personnel highlight the threats faced by the country, particularly near its borders with Niger, which have been heavily affected by extremism. The establishment of Operation Mirador reflects the government’s proactive measures to combat these threats and ensure the security of its territory. International support has been garnered, with financial and military assistance from partners like the United States and the European Union to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.

The tragic loss of three Beninese soldiers underscores the persistent threats posed by jihadists in the region, particularly near borders with Niger. Amidst rising violence, Operation Mirador represents the government’s commitment to enhance national security through military reinforcement and international collaboration. Efforts to stabilize the situation are crucial not only to safeguard Benin’s borders but also to contribute to regional stability as extremism continues to loom in West Africa.

Original Source: www.barrons.com

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