Nigerian Airstrikes Help Quell Coup Attempt in Benin
Early Sunday, a faction of soldiers briefly took control of state television, declaring Talon’s removal and the suspension of the constitution, claiming that security in northern Benin had significantly deteriorated.
A government statement issued following a cabinet meeting on Monday detailed that the insurgents initially targeted senior military figures, including the president’s military chief of staff, General Bertin Bada. His wife was killed when the rebels stormed his residence. Additionally, the soldiers kidnapped General Abou Issa, the army’s chief of staff, and Colonel Faizou Gomina, who were only released on Monday morning, according to officials.
“Nigeria came to our assistance by carrying out airstrikes later in the day, which immobilized some of the armored vehicles used by the mutineers,” the Benin government said. Authorities explained that the mutineers clashed with the Republican Guard around 5 a.m. local time during their attempt to breach Talon’s residence, causing casualties on “both sides” before loyal forces forced the rebels to withdraw. No official death toll was disclosed.
The insurgents subsequently attempted to open additional fronts from the Togbin military base. However, the army surrounded the location and requested external aerial support, the authorities confirmed.
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