Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

El-Obeid under threat from RSF — over 1,000 civilians killed by drones in Sudan in 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are preparing to assault El-Obeid in June 2026, threatening civilians and humanitarian efforts. Over 1,000 civilians have already been killed by drone strikes in Sudan this year. Humanitarian agencies are bracing for mass evacuations as the RSF seeks to control this strategic city in North Kordofan, which is vital for supply routes.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Jun 28 2026
Nigeria launches its wargaming center 2026 — Abuja wants to think faster than Boko Haram

Nigeria launches its wargaming center 2026 — Abuja wants to think faster than Boko Haram

Military OperationsLogisticsStrategic AssessmentHybrid

The Nigerian Army inaugurated a wargaming center in Abuja on June 26, 2023, to enhance military planning against Boko Haram and ISWAP. This center aims to improve coordination across land, maritime, air, cyber, and informational dimensions. Despite claims of neutralizing over 13,000 terrorists, challenges remain in controlling rural areas and ensuring effective military responses. The center is expected to facilitate better strategic assessments and logistical planning for future operations.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Jun 28 2026

M23 and Rwanda before the ICJ — 632 civilians killed in eastern Congo in 2026

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsPolitical-MilitaryHybrid

In 2026, the M23 and Congolese Armed Forces are engaged in an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, resulting in 632 civilian casualties documented by the UN in North Kivu and Ituri. The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and violating international law, prompting diplomatic actions at the International Court of Justice. Control of key routes remains critical for both military and humanitarian operations.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Jun 27 2026
Benin Facing JNIM and ISSP — 12,000 Soldiers to Secure the Coastal Lock

Benin Facing JNIM and ISSP — 12,000 Soldiers to Secure the Coastal Lock

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

JNIM attacked military positions in Koualou, Benin, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians, and the loss of weapons and equipment. The Benin Armed Forces, with around 12,000 active personnel, are facing challenges from jihadist groups operating from neighboring countries. The government is increasing defense spending to address these threats, but logistical and operational challenges remain significant.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Jun 27 2026

Boulkessi falls in Mali — 60 soldiers killed and JNIM forces Bamako to defend its bases

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

JNIM attacked a Malian military base in Boulkessi, resulting in at least 60 soldiers killed and 40 wounded. The assault led to concerns about potential captives among the 280 soldiers stationed there. Following this, JNIM also claimed coordinated attacks in Tombouctou, indicating a broader operational strategy against Malian forces.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Jun 26 2026
JNIM strikes Niamey a second time — 13 dead and a warning for the Nigerien state

JNIM strikes Niamey a second time — 13 dead and a warning for the Nigerien state

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

JNIM launched an attack on Niamey on June 18, targeting the Diori Hamani Airport and a nearby military base, resulting in 13 fatalities, including 11 military personnel. The attackers employed civilian vehicles to infiltrate the area, leading to the deaths of 22 assailants and the arrest of 20 suspects. This incident reflects ongoing jihadist efforts to undermine Niger's military operations and control.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Jun 26 2026
JNIM strikes Niamey a second time — 13 dead and a warning about Niger's drones

JNIM strikes Niamey a second time — 13 dead and a warning about Niger's drones

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

JNIM attacked Niamey on June 18, targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military base, resulting in 13 deaths, including 11 Nigerien soldiers. Nigerien security forces repelled the assault, killing 22 attackers. This incident marks a significant tactical evolution, as assailants disguised themselves as civilians to approach the sensitive site.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Jun 25 2026
Donahue leaves Army Europe and Africa in 2026 — 68 American strikes expose the Somali front

Donahue leaves Army Europe and Africa in 2026 — 68 American strikes expose the Somali front

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia between June 14 and June 19, 2026, with at least 68 strikes reported since the beginning of the year. General Christopher Donahue is set to leave his command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, impacting operations in the region. The campaign increasingly relies on bases in Djibouti and Kenya, while the U.S. seeks to enhance its engagement with local Somali leaders.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Jun 25 2026

Africa Corps in Mali — 4 civilians killed near Timbuktu expose a war turning against Bamako

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

On June 23, 2023, a Malian army patrol, accompanied by Russian fighters from the Africa Corps, killed four civilians near Tombouctou, with two victims reportedly struck by a drone. Local sources described the victims as Tuareg and Songhai herders. Following the incident, a dismembered body was discovered arranged in a swastika shape, raising concerns about operational conduct. Concurrently, the JNIM claimed an attack on a Malian army convoy in another region, highlighting the ongoing violence in Mali.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026
Somalia 2026 — 68 American Strikes Replace al-Shabaab at the Center of the Invisible War

Somalia 2026 — 68 American Strikes Replace al-Shabaab at the Center of the Invisible War

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

U.S. Africa Command conducted 68 airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia since early 2026, with four strikes reported in June alone. The airstrikes aim to disrupt al-Shabaab's operations, but political instability in Mogadishu complicates the situation. Reports indicate civilian casualties from previous strikes, raising concerns about the effectiveness and consequences of the air campaign.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026
ISSP returns to Nigeria in 2026 — 17 soldiers killed and Lakurawa emerges from the shadows

ISSP returns to Nigeria in 2026 — 17 soldiers killed and Lakurawa emerges from the shadows

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) claimed responsibility for two attacks in Nigeria in 2026, resulting in the deaths of 17 soldiers near Giro Masa and Rumji Dan Tudu. This marks the first official acknowledgment of ISSP operations in Nigeria since 2019, indicating a significant shift in the jihadist landscape. The report emphasizes the operational challenges posed by the ISSP's presence in the northwestern region, complicating the Nigerian military's response.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Jun 23 2026

Operation Dudula set for June 30 — South Africa risks its worst violence since 2008

Political-MilitaryInformation OperationsStrategic

Anti-immigration groups, including Operation Dudula, are mobilizing for potential violence against undocumented foreigners in South Africa, with June 30 set as a critical date for action. Planned attacks and lynchings are anticipated, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, as tensions rise ahead of local elections. Recent violence has already resulted in multiple casualties, prompting several African nations to repatriate their citizens.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Jun 23 2026
The JNIM Strikes Niamey a Second Time in 2026 — the AES Loses Its Air Sanctuary

The JNIM Strikes Niamey a Second Time in 2026 — the AES Loses Its Air Sanctuary

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

JNIM launched an attack on Niamey on June 19, 2026, targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military base, resulting in 13 government personnel killed and 22 attackers killed. This marks the second assault on this strategic location within five months, indicating a shift in jihadist tactics towards urban centers in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisMon Jun 22 2026

Nigeria records 842 deaths in May 2026 — insecurity escalates in the center of the country

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

In May 2026, Nigeria experienced 842 deaths and 279 kidnappings across 156 violent incidents, marking a significant increase in violence compared to the previous year. Armed groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, are actively involved in these incidents, indicating a dangerous escalation in insecurity across the country. The data suggests a shift in the nature of violence, with multiple conflict zones becoming interconnected.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisMon Jun 22 2026
JNIM strikes Niamey airport in 2026 — 35 dead and a worrying signal for the Sahel

JNIM strikes Niamey airport in 2026 — 35 dead and a worrying signal for the Sahel

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

JNIM conducted an attack on Niamey airport and the adjacent military base on June 19, 2026, resulting in 35 fatalities, including 13 Nigerien personnel. The assault involved a prolonged engagement with Nigerien forces, highlighting the vulnerability of key strategic locations in the Sahel. This incident marks the second attack on the airport complex within six months, indicating a troubling trend in regional security.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Jun 21 2026

Sudan 2026 — 1000 civilians killed by drones and Kordofan tips over

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

Over 1,000 civilians were killed by drone strikes in El-Obeid, Kordofan-North, between January and May 2026, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The strikes targeted various civilian locations, including a funeral and humanitarian aid transport, reflecting a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. The use of drones has dramatically increased, contributing to a high number of civilian casualties and altering the dynamics of warfare in Sudan.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Jun 21 2026
JNIM controls rural Mali in 2026 — the soft tactic traps Bamako

JNIM controls rural Mali in 2026 — the soft tactic traps Bamako

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

JNIM exerts control over rural Mali through social governance, while the Malian junta attempts military reconquest. A coordinated attack on April 25 involved JNIM and Azawad separatists targeting Bamako and other cities. The junta responds with increased military pressure, but JNIM's tactics create a state of uncertainty in supply routes and daily life in Bamako. The presence of Russian forces adds complexity to the security dynamics.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Jun 20 2026
The JNIM Strikes Niamey in 2026 — Diori Hamani Airport Becomes the New Test for the Nigerien Regime

The JNIM Strikes Niamey in 2026 — Diori Hamani Airport Becomes the New Test for the Nigerien Regime

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

On June 18, 2026, JNIM launched an armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military base in Niamey, resulting in the deaths of 11 soldiers and 2 civilians, while 22 attackers were reportedly killed. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of the Nigerien regime's security narrative and serves as a strategic message to both local communities and rival jihadist groups.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Jun 20 2026

Tshisekedi forces the referendum in 2026 and weakens the front against the M23

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Tshisekedi's government faces a political crisis in Kinshasa as the Senate approved a constitutional referendum that may allow him to seek a third term. The M23 has intensified its military operations in the East, supported by Rwandan troops, while over seven million Congolese remain displaced. The situation is exacerbated by rising security incidents in the region, indicating a complex interplay between political instability and military challenges.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Jun 19 2026
JNIM strikes Niamey in 2026 — 13 dead and the Sahel HQ exposed

JNIM strikes Niamey in 2026 — 13 dead and the Sahel HQ exposed

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

JNIM launched an attack on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on June 18, 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities, including 11 soldiers and 2 civilians. The assault also led to the deaths of 22 attackers and the arrest of 20 suspects. This operation highlights the group's capability to strike significant military and civilian targets, following a similar attack by ISIS earlier in the year.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Jun 19 2026