Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Niger hit in Niamey for the second time in 2026 — the airport showcases the AES
Armed men attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on June 18, 2026, resulting in gunfire and explosions. This incident marks the second attack on the airport this year, following a previous assault claimed by ISIS. The airport serves as both a civilian and military facility, raising concerns about security vulnerabilities in urban areas. Nigerien Armed Forces responded to the attack, which underscores the ongoing threat from armed groups in the region.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 18 2026Loading...The Wolves of the Desert in Sudan — 300 Colombians Extend the RSF's Drone War
Colombian contractors, known as Lobos del Desierto, are actively participating in drone warfare alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan as of June 2026. They are providing critical skills in drone operation and logistics, significantly impacting the conflict. The RSF has adapted its tactics, leading to increased drone strikes that have resulted in over 1,000 civilian casualties. Key logistical routes for these contractors involve complex international travel.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 18 2026Loading...ISWAP and Boko Haram clash on Lake Chad — 360 hostages released and 5 Nigerian soldiers killed
On June 6, 2026, the Nigerian Army released 360 hostages in the Mandara Mountains after clashes with Boko Haram, which had killed five Nigerian soldiers a day earlier. The Lake Chad region is witnessing intensified competition between ISWAP and Boko Haram for control, impacting local communities and humanitarian conditions. The Nigerian military continues operations against jihadist factions, but the situation remains complex and fluid.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 17 2026Loading...The United States Strikes Somalia 64 Times in 2026 — al-Shabaab Still Controls the Roads
The U.S. conducted 64 airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia in 2026, with AFRICOM acknowledging 63. A strike on November 15, 2025, reportedly killed at least 12 civilians, including children. Despite these operations, al-Shabaab maintains control over key territories and routes, undermining the effectiveness of U.S. air support. The situation reflects ongoing challenges in achieving lasting security in the region.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 17 2026Loading...Nigeria sees school kidnappings rise in Oyo — 46 hostages and a southwest front in 2026
On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, abducting 46 individuals, including 39 students and 7 teachers. One teacher was killed during the assault, and another died in captivity. This incident signifies a troubling expansion of kidnapping activities into southwestern Nigeria, a region previously viewed as secure.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 16 2026Loading...
JNIM Strangles Bamako in 2026 — 120 Containers per Day Blocked to Mali
JNIM has established a logistical blockade affecting supply routes to Bamako, significantly disrupting the flow of goods and resources. This blockade, which began after coordinated attacks in April 2026, targets key routes from Dakar, Conakry, and Abidjan, leading to shortages and increased prices in the capital. The group aims to exert pressure on the Malian state by making transportation too risky and costly.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 16 2026Loading...ISWAP strikes Kautikari in Nigeria on June 13 and traps Chibok in fear
ISWAP attacked a local security position held by hunters in Kautikari, Nigeria, on June 13, 2023. The initial defense was successful, but ISWAP regrouped, leading to a temporary retreat of the defenders. One civilian was injured, and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force was hurt, while no soldiers were reported casualties. The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP in the region and the psychological impact on the local community.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 15 2026Loading...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...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...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...
