Benin’s army said today that six of its soldiers were killed in an attack by militants on an army post in the north of the country.

An army spokesperson said the attack took place on Saturday and that 17 militants were also killed, but did not provide further details.

In January, dozens of soldiers were killed in an attack by militants on army positions in the Alibori department in northern Benin.

Benin and neighbouring Togo have seen several attacks in recent years as militant groups expand their operations beyond the Sahel region.