Benin: Suspected militants attack security post in Porga overnight Dec. 1-2

Event

A group of unidentified armed assailants reportedly attacked a security post in the village of Porga, located along Benin's border with Burkina Faso in Atakora Department overnight Dec. 1-2. Authorities believe that the attackers may have been militants from Burkina Faso; the attack left two Beninese soldiers dead and at least five more injured.

Authorities have reinforced the government security posture in the area. Additional clashes between security forces and militants are possible in the coming days.

Context

Benin has largely avoided spillover of militant activity from neighboring Burkina Faso in recent years. However, as groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) continue to make gains in Burkina Faso and elsewhere, further militant encroachment southward into coastal West Africa, including Benin, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana, remains possible.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in northern Benin. Confirm the status of routes before travel. Exercise heightened vigilance in the area. Avoid travel at night and concentrations of security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.