Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Two CH-95 Destroyed in Sudan — The Drone War Crosses an African Threshold
On July 13, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reported the destruction of two CH-95 combat drones used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. One drone was shot down in flight by a missile from a Bayraktar Akinci, while the other was destroyed on the ground. This incident highlights a significant evolution in drone warfare in the region, with implications for both tactical and operational strategies.
Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...ISWAP Fails at Cross Kauwa in 2026 — a Camera Exposes Foreign Relays in Borno
ISWAP attempted an infiltration at Cross Kauwa on July 11, 2026, but was repelled by Nigerian forces from the 19th Brigade, resulting in two soldiers injured. A recovered Sony camcorder revealed operational footage and connections to foreign facilitators. The attack aimed to loot medical supplies amid a cholera outbreak, highlighting logistical challenges for ISWAP. A foreign suspect was arrested and evacuated by the Nigerian air force.
Marie DuboisTue Jul 14 2026Loading...
Mali and Algeria Reopen Their Skies 2026 While JNIM and FLA Tighten Anéfis
Mali and Algeria reopened their airspace after 15 months, while JNIM and FLA launched coordinated attacks on Anéfis and surrounding areas in April 2025. The control of Anéfis is critical for logistics between Kidal and Gao, and the situation has led to increased human rights abuses in the region. The Malian army faces significant challenges from these armed groups.
Marie DuboisTue Jul 14 2026Loading...
Anefis besieged in Mali — JNIM and FLA set Africa Corps in the north in 2026
On July 5-7, 2026, JNIM and FLA insurgents launched coordinated attacks on multiple Malian military installations from Gao to Sévaré, with significant fighting reported near Anefis. Malian forces, supported by Russian paramilitaries from Africa Corps, faced ambushes and logistical challenges, leading to losses in reinforcements. The alliance between JNIM and FLA poses a new threat to the Malian military, complicating their operational capabilities in the region.
Marie DuboisMon Jul 13 2026Loading...Russia strengthens the AES in 2026 — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso seek military depth
On July 9, 2026, Russia announced plans to strengthen military cooperation with the Sahel Alliance (AES) amid ongoing jihadist attacks in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This cooperation aims to enhance military capabilities, including the provision of drones and electronic warfare systems. The AES faces challenges in maintaining security and effective military operations against insurgent threats in the region.
Marie DuboisMon Jul 13 2026Loading...Anéfis Encircled in 2026 — The Russian Convoy Ambushed Weakens Bamako
On July 9, 2026, a Russian convoy transporting Malian soldiers and Russian paramilitaries was ambushed near Tabankort, Mali. The FLA claims control of Anéfis, while Russian forces remain in the main camp. Coordinated attacks by the FLA and JNIM targeted several positions, indicating a serious military challenge for the Malian government. Reports also mention the destruction of military vehicles in ambushes against reinforcements.
Marie DuboisSun Jul 12 2026Loading...
Algiers and Bamako reopen the sky in 2026 — Tinzaouaten changes the calculations of the Sahel
On July 11, 2026, Algeria and Mali reopened their airspace for civilian and military flights after a 15-month closure due to a drone incident. This development marks a significant step in restoring diplomatic relations between the two nations, which had been strained following the downing of a Malian drone. The reopening is crucial for military operations and regional security, as it allows for better coordination against armed groups in the Sahel region.
Marie DuboisSun Jul 12 2026Loading...Mali 2026 — Anéfis changes hands again after 15 strikes on the Gao-Kidal road
On July 10, 2026, the Malian army conducted 15 airstrikes, destroying 12 combat vehicles and reportedly killing around 100 insurgents. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) began withdrawing from Anéfis following these strikes and the arrival of a convoy from Gao. This operation temporarily reopened the Gao-Anéfis route, marking a tactical victory for the Malian forces amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Jul 11 2026Loading...Boko Haram Reaches Oyo in Nigeria — 46 Hostages Released and a Strategic Flaw Revealed
Boko Haram conducted a kidnapping operation in Oyo, Nigeria, resulting in the release of 46 hostages after 56 days. The Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services executed a successful rescue operation, arresting 8 kidnappers. This incident highlights a strategic vulnerability in a region not typically associated with Boko Haram's activities, as over 40 other children remain captives in Borno.
Marie DuboisSat Jul 11 2026Loading...Tillabéri Under Double Offensive — JNIM and ISSP Strike Niger in June 2026
ISSP launched attacks on military positions in In-Ates and Banibangou, Niger, on June 17, 2026, resulting in heavy losses for Nigerien forces. JNIM attempted an incursion at Niamey's airport the following day. On June 30, JNIM conducted further attacks in Makalondi, Torodi, and Diagourou, alongside operations in Burkina Faso, indicating a coordinated strategy between the two jihadist groups. The situation highlights the escalating conflict in the Tillabéri region.
Marie DuboisFri Jul 10 2026Loading...FLA and JNIM ambush a Russian convoy in Mali in 2026 — the Kidal axis wavers
On July 9, 2026, a Russian convoy was ambushed near Tabankort by FLA and JNIM forces, resulting in ongoing combat. The convoy, consisting of dozens of vehicles and including Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries, was en route to Anefis, a key location for controlling access to Kidal. This incident follows a pattern of coordinated attacks in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by the Malian Army and its Russian allies.
Marie DuboisFri Jul 10 2026Loading...Am-Dafock exposes the Sudan-CAR border — 16,000 displaced people put MINUSCA under pressure
Armed groups attacked the MINUSCA base in Am-Dafock on June 30, 2026, injuring three Zambian peacekeepers. Over 16,000 displaced persons have gathered near the base, complicating humanitarian efforts. The attackers are reportedly affiliated with the FPRC and MDRPC, with possible involvement from RSF. This incident raises concerns about local security and the effectiveness of peace agreements in the region.
Marie DuboisWed Jul 08 2026Loading...Di, Solhan and Séguénéga hit — 22 dead expose the VDP failure of Burkina Faso
Multiple attacks on military posts in Burkina Faso resulted in at least 22 fatalities, including 14 soldiers and 7 Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). The attacks occurred in Di, Solhan, and Séguénéga, with the JNIM group claiming responsibility. This series of assaults underscores the operational vulnerabilities faced by the Burkinabè Armed Forces and the VDP amid ongoing violence in the region.
Marie DuboisWed Jul 08 2026Loading...Gao, Sévaré and Kenioroba Struck Together — the FLA-JNIM Coalition Tests the Depth of Mali in 2026
On July 5, 2026, the Malian army reported killing over 20 attackers during coordinated assaults on military camps in Gao and Sévaré, and a prison near Kenioroba. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) executed these attacks, testing the security of Bamako. The operations indicate a strategic effort to stretch Malian military resources across multiple fronts.
Marie DuboisTue Jul 07 2026Loading...7 Malian positions attacked — JNIM and FLA test Bamako in 2026
On July 4, 2026, the Malian Armed Forces repelled attacks by JNIM and FLA across multiple locations including Gao and Sévaré, claiming to have killed 26 attackers. The assaults targeted military positions and a prison, indicating a coordinated effort to challenge the Malian state. JNIM and FLA's collaboration highlights a tactical convergence against the Malian government, raising concerns about security in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Jul 07 2026Loading...Egypt opens the Octagon in 2026 — 22,000 acres to manage African crises
Egypt inaugurated the Octagon, a strategic military headquarters, on July 4, 2023, in the New Administrative Capital. The complex spans 22,000 acres and aims to centralize military command and crisis management to address regional threats. It is designed to improve data sharing and operational efficiency for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
Marie DuboisMon Jul 06 2026Loading...Al-Shabaab loses 8 men in Basra — Somalia tests its village intelligence in 2026
The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reported killing eight members of Al-Shabaab, including a key leader, Daqare, in Basra, Middle Shabelle, in July 2026. This operation aimed to disrupt Al-Shabaab's mortar and IED capabilities. The report indicates that the group may have retrieved bodies for burial, highlighting the operational challenges in the region. This action is part of a larger effort to weaken Al-Shabaab's influence around Mogadiscio and along the Shabelle corridor.
Marie DuboisMon Jul 06 2026Loading...
Africa Corps trains Malian paratroopers — 7 helicopters showcase the Russian bet of 2026
The Africa Corps trained 20 Malian paratroopers at Bamako's Modibo Keïta International Airport on July 4, 2026, using D-6 parachutes and a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter. This training highlights the operational mobility challenges faced by the Malian Armed Forces, which have limited resources. The 33rd Parachute Regiment, the only airborne unit in Mali, symbolizes a shift in military cooperation from France to Russia.
Marie DuboisSun Jul 05 2026Loading...FLA strikes 5 cities in Mali — the shadow of JNIM threatens Bamako in July
On July 4, 2023, insurgent groups attacked five locations in Mali, including Gao, Sévaré, Anefis, Aguelhoc, and Kenioroba. The Malian Armed Forces reported killing 20 assailants in Sévaré and 6 in Gao, while also acknowledging casualties among their forces. The attacks indicate a coordinated effort by the Front for the Liberation of Azawad and JNIM, posing a significant threat to the security of Bamako and the Malian state.
Marie DuboisSat Jul 04 2026Loading...IS-Sahel claims 19 deaths in Nigeria — Sokoto and Kebbi become the new front of 2026
Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) claimed responsibility for ambushes on Nigerian military patrols on May 15, 2026, resulting in 19 deaths, including 7 soldiers and 1 police officer. The attacks occurred near Runji and Giro Masa in Kebbi and Sokoto states, marking a significant expansion of ISSP's operational area into northwestern Nigeria. The Nigerian government is responding by seeking increased anti-jihadist cooperation with Benin and Niger.
Marie DuboisSat Jul 04 2026Loading...
