Benin Foils Brief Coup, Hunts Leader After Fatal Clash

Benin's government says it has stopped a short-lived military coup after a clash that caused deaths among both its forces and the rebel soldiers. Authorities are now intensifying a manhunt for the fugitive leader of the attempted takeover. The mutiny aimed to overthrow President Patrice Talon. It lasted only a few hours on Monday before officials announced its failure. This event is the latest in a series of recent coups across West Africa. Many have followed a similar pattern, emerging from disputed elections and changes to national constitutions.