Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
JNIM and the Islamic State Gain Ground in Benin — 80% More Cross-Border Attacks
Jihadist groups JNIM and ISSP have significantly increased their operational presence in northern Benin, with attacks rising by 80% between 2024 and 2025, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The region is becoming a strategic area for these groups, who are establishing bases and routes for operations. The Sahel Alliance Battalion, consisting of 5,000 troops, is deemed inadequate to counter this escalating threat effectively.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 15 2026Loading...
ISWAP loses 2 commanders in Borno — Nigerian intelligence opens a fragile window
Two commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, defected to Nigerian troops on June 8, 2026, in Borno, near the Lake Chad Basin. Their defection is significant due to Abu Umar's expertise in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which could provide critical intelligence to Nigerian forces. The Nigerian military is currently interrogating the defectors to exploit this intelligence before ISWAP can adapt its operations.
Marie DuboisSun Jun 14 2026Loading...Zamfara Bandits Kill 17 Farmers in Nigeria in 2026 — the Rural Front Closes
Armed groups killed 17 farmers in Goron Namaye, Zamfara, Nigeria, in June 2026 while they were working in their fields. At least 13 others were injured in the attack, which occurred during a critical agricultural period. Local authorities are alarmed by the rising violence and its implications for food security, as armed groups increasingly control access to farmland.
Marie DuboisSun Jun 14 2026Loading...Sudan 2026 — 23 dead in El-Obeid and the drone war suffocates Kordofan
Drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit civilian areas in El-Obeid, North Kordofan, on June 10-11, 2026, resulting in 23 deaths and 19 injuries. The strikes targeted residential neighborhoods, a funeral gathering, and military positions, indicating a shift in tactics towards using drones against civilian infrastructure. This escalation reflects a broader trend of increasing drone warfare in the region, complicating the humanitarian situation.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 13 2026Loading...Boko Haram loses 360 captives in Borno in 2026 — the Mandara mountain remains the real front
On June 6, 2026, the Nigerian Army rescued 360 captives from Boko Haram in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. The operation, part of the Hadin Kai initiative, highlighted the challenges of operating in difficult terrain, where Boko Haram maintains control over hostages. Despite the rescue, concerns remain about the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram, especially following their earlier kidnapping of 416 individuals in Ngoshe.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 13 2026Loading...ISWAP in Borno in 2026 — 2 commanders surrender after 200 claimed deaths
On June 8, 2026, two ISWAP commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno. This occurred after joint operations reportedly killed over 200 fighters from Boko Haram and ISWAP. The Nigerian Army emphasized the importance of the area around Mangari, which is crucial for ISWAP's operations. The U.S. has provided intelligence support to enhance the effectiveness of these operations.
Marie DuboisFri Jun 12 2026Loading...JNIM in Kidal in 2026 — 2 arrested journalists expose the war for control in Mali
Two Malian journalists were arrested in Bamako between June 8 and 10, 2026, for reporting on the control of Kidal by the JNIM. Their arrests highlight the ongoing struggle for information control in Mali, particularly following recent coordinated attacks by jihadist groups. Kidal remains a critical location in the conflict, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by the Malian state in asserting authority over the north.
Marie DuboisFri Jun 12 2026Loading...
Mali 2026 imprisons 2 journalists — the JNIM turns Kidal into an information battle
On June 9, 2026, two journalists were arrested in Mali for reporting that the JNIM controls Kidal. This incident reflects the Malian government's efforts to suppress information regarding its military challenges. The arrests are part of a broader struggle for control over narratives in a region where JNIM's influence is growing, particularly following recent offensives.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 11 2026Loading...Mali imprisons 2 journalists in 2026 — Kidal's denial exposes Bamako to JNIM
In June 2026, the Malian government arrested journalists Abdramane Keïta and Chahana Takiou for reporting on the control of Kidal by the JNIM. These arrests highlight the government's attempt to suppress information and maintain a narrative of national unity amidst ongoing security challenges. The situation in Kidal reflects deeper issues of governance and military effectiveness in Mali.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 11 2026Loading...Mali locks down 35 forest areas in 2026 — Bamako tries to cut the bases of JNIM
Mali has militarized 35 forest areas as of June 3, 2026, to counter the operations of the JNIM group. This initiative aims to control supply routes and disrupt JNIM's activities in strategic locations. The move follows recent coordinated attacks by JNIM on various points in Mali, indicating a shift in military strategy to enhance operational control in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 06 2026Loading...Mandaragirau 2026 — 8 dead in Borno and ISWAP resumes the base war
ISWAP attacked Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Borno at around 3 AM, resulting in eight fatalities, including five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The Nigerian Army successfully repelled the assault and retained control of the base, while the attack aimed to test military responses and disrupt local defense systems. This incident marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's operations following recent military actions against them.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 06 2026Loading...Mali bans 125 cc motorcycles in 2026 — Bamako attempts to disrupt the mobility of JNIM
Mali has implemented a ban on motorcycles of 125cc and above from operating outside major urban areas as of June 3, 2026, establishing 35 military zones off-limits to civilians. This decision follows significant attacks by the JNIM, aiming to disrupt their mobility and operational capabilities. The ban may exacerbate civilian isolation and raise concerns about human rights violations in the affected regions.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 04 2026Loading...Mogadishu 2026 in Somalia — Al-Shabaab Exploits the Fighting Between Government and Opposition
On June 4, 2026, armed clashes erupted in Mogadishu between Somali government forces and opposition-linked militias ahead of a planned protest against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The violence has led to civilian displacement and raised concerns about Al-Shabaab exploiting the political instability. The ongoing conflict highlights the fragility of security in the capital amid a political crisis.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 04 2026Loading...Mali 2026 — 8 dead on the Bamako-Kayes road and the JNIM tightens the noose
On June 1, 2026, a civilian bus struck a mine on the Bamako-Kayes road, resulting in eight deaths and forty-two injuries. The attack is linked to JNIM, which has been increasing pressure on transportation routes to undermine confidence in the Malian government. This incident is part of a broader strategy to disrupt supply lines and instill fear among the population.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 03 2026Loading...Katsina 2026 — General Rabe Abubakar and his wife kidnapped on the Matazu axis
Retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped by armed men on May 30, 2026, while traveling in Matazu, Katsina. The driver was shot but escaped, and the vehicle was later recovered by police. Local reports indicate that the kidnappers may be led by a local chief known as Kachalla Muhammadu, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 02 2026Loading...Beni 2026 in Congo — the ADF kills 16 people and exposes the lock of North Kivu
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked Ngadi on the night of May 30-31, 2026, killing 16 individuals, including 15 civilians and 1 soldier. The Congolese army confirmed the casualties and is pursuing the attackers while reinforcing civilian protection. This incident highlights the ADF's capability to strike in urban areas, raising concerns about security in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 02 2026Loading...Arege 2026 — the strike Nigeria-United States kills 21 ISWAP and sets the new pace of Lake Chad
A joint Nigerian and U.S. airstrike killed 21 ISWAP fighters in Arege, Borno, on May 30, 2026. This operation, coordinated with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), is part of a series of military actions targeting ISWAP's logistical capabilities in the Lake Chad region. The airstrike highlights a shift in U.S. involvement from training to direct operational support against jihadist groups.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 01 2026Loading...JNIM strikes five villages in Mali — 25 dead near Bandiagara in 2026
JNIM launched attacks on five villages in Mali on May 21, 2026, resulting in at least 25 deaths and numerous injuries. The villages of Logo, Soulakanda, Dimbal, Ogossagou, and Kouroundé were targeted, with reports of destruction and livestock theft. Local dozo hunters faced jihadists directly, highlighting the absence of a timely military response from the Malian army. This incident is part of ongoing violence in the region, exacerbating local tensions and displacement.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 01 2026Loading...The RSF strikes al-Mourra in Kordofan in 2026 — 27 civilians killed and the Bara road becomes the center of the war
On May 28, 2026, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the village of al-Mourra in North Kordofan, killing at least 27 civilians during the Eid al-Adha celebrations. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in the region, where RSF aims to expand their control and intimidate local populations. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the area around Bara becoming increasingly contested.
Marie DuboisSun May 31 2026Loading...Pétél Kolé in Niger reveals the JNIM–Islamic State war — 35 dead in the Sahel
ISSP fighters attacked a JNIM base in Petel Kole, Niger, in early April 2026, resulting in 35 deaths. This incident underscores the escalating conflict between ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Sahel, as both groups vie for control over territory and resources. The attack reflects a shift in dynamics, with ISSP increasing its operational presence despite being smaller than JNIM.
Marie DuboisSun May 31 2026Loading...
