Death toll rises in suspected jihadist ambush in Benin

The government in Benin says the number of people killed during three bomb blasts in a national park this week has risen to nine.

The W National Park straddles the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger – an area under threat from the spread of Islamist militants.

A South African wildlife charity that manages the park said on Wednesday that six people had been killed when patrol vehicles hit the explosive devices.

France has opened an investigation as a French national was among the dead. No group has said it was behind the violence.

The military in Benin has increased its presence in the area following two attacks late last year that were blamed on jihadists.

By BBC