Insurgents attack transportation networks because they are essential to state sovereignty, economic activity, and government. While governments rely on these networks to display power and manage territory, insurgents assault highways and checkpoints to hinder transportation and exert control. State reach is increased by well-constructed highways, which also allow military movement and deter rebel havens. Bad road conditions make it harder for the state to function and provide terrorists more possibilities to use motorcycles and other light vehicles to avoid detection and carry out assaults. Despite their importance, military checkpoints are frequently made public targets. Approximately 70% of violent incidents and 65% of fatalities in North and West Africa take place within one kilometer of a road, particularly close to a highway. In order to avoid governmental supervision, insurgents in West Africa are increasingly operating in isolated locations, which reflects a strategic change. Roads are still strategically significant, though, as many conflict hotspots are located within one to four kilometers of transportation lines.
https://securityconference.org/en/marketplace-of-ideas/oecd-roads-and-conflicts-in-north-and-west-africa (Full Report)