Cotonou: Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM has increased its incursions into northern Benin, using the region as a strategic transit corridor between its established areas of operation in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Two nature reserves in the area have become logistical hubs for the jihadist fighters, presenting significant challenges for Benin's military as they strive to maintain security in the region.According to France24.com, four Beninese soldiers lost their lives in an attack by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) on May 25, 2026. The attack came shortly after the inauguration of Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni. The assault occurred in the Kourou Koualou area, near the border with Burkina Faso, which is over 700 kilometers from the economic capital, Cotonou. Reports indicate that several hundred armed men on motorcycles targeted two army bases in the region.Franklin Nossiter, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, highlighted that JNIM has been intensifying its activities i n Benin since 2022. Northern Benin's proximity to key fronts for JNIM in eastern Burkina Faso, western Niger, and Nigeria makes it a critical area for the group's operations. The region facilitates easier transit between these countries and is significant for trafficking activities. JNIM has leveraged northern Benin to integrate into other trafficking networks and secure necessary supplies, complicating efforts to curb their influence.
25 Years After 9/11, Al Qaeda’s Persistent Threat Despite Waning US Focus
Washington: Twenty-five years after the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, al Qaeda remains a significant threat, albeit in a transformed state. The jihadist network, which orchestrated the 9/11 attacks, has undergone substantial changes over …
September 11, 2026