- Police
An armed group attacked Benin's National Park W, killing seven Beninese security forces and five rangers from a conservation nonprofit. The incident occurred near the Mékrou River in the park, which spans 10,000 square kilometers across the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger. This area has recently seen increased militant activity, particularly from jihadis moving in from neighboring countries.
The attack is part of a broader trend of violence spreading from the Sahel region into West Africa, affecting coastal states like Benin. The al-Qaida linked JNIM group has been particularly active in these areas. Militants initially sought these regions for recuperation and resources but have begun targeting local communities and security forces, indicating a deeper entrenchment of militant activities.