Al Qaeda-linked terrorists killed 15 soldiers in an attack on an army base in northern Benin, the West African country's military said on Thursday.

The Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group claimed responsibility for the Wednesday raid on a base in Kofouno, near the border with Niger.

Army spokesperson Colonel James Johnson told AFP on Wednesday that the raid had also left five soldiers wounded, but their lives were "not in danger."

A military source deployed to the region had earlier told AFP the attack left a "heavy human toll", speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We are currently sweeping the area," the source said.