Benin admits that 54 soldiers killed in attack by al-Qaeda group

Benin's government has confirmed that 54 soldiers were killed last week. The attack occurred in the north, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Initially, authorities reported only eight soldier deaths. This revised number marks the deadliest attack since insurgents began operating in northern Benin.

The al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (Jnim) claimed responsibility. Jnim is based in Mali but has expanded its operations to neighboring countries.

According to intelligence group SITE, Jnim stated it killed 70 soldiers during raids on two military posts. This group is one of several jihadist organizations active in West Africa's Sahel region.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are struggling to contain this insurgency. Recently, Benin and Togo have also seen increased jihadist activity from groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

"Heavy losses for the nation," wrote presidential spokesman Serge Nonvignon on Facebook. Another spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, emphasized Benin's commitment to fighting jihadists.

"We won't give in... We will win sooner or later," he assured.