UAE condemns Al-Qaeda-affiliated assault that killed dozens in Benin

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted military sites in northern Benin, leading to the deaths of dozens of soldiers.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, reaffirmed the Emirates' firm rejection of all forms of terrorism and violence that threaten security and stability, stressing that such acts are a blatant violation of international law. He extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of Benin, as well as to the families of the victims of what he called a heinous and cowardly assault.

Benin’s government spokesman Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji reported that 54 troops were killed in the April 17 attack at W National Park, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. This represents the deadliest toll in Benin since jihadist violence began creeping southward from the Sahel. Initial reports had indicated only eight fatalities.

The attack was claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), also known by its Arabic acronym JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the region. The group claimed to have killed 70 soldiers during the assault.

This tragedy underscores a dangerous trend: jihadist groups are expanding their reach beyond traditional hotspots like Mali and Burkina Faso. Countries previously spared from such violence, including Togo and Benin, are now increasingly under threat.