Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Dekara Attack in Nigeria Opens the Road to Kainji for Jihadists in 2026
An armed group attacked Dekara in Niger State, Nigeria, during prayer, resulting in at least 30 deaths and over 60 abductions. The attackers targeted several communities, burned homes, and have retreated into the Kainji National Park. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a coordinated military response to address the escalating security situation in the region.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 26 2026Loading...Kidnapping in Nigeria in 2026 — the Kainji corridor becomes the new front for abductions
On August 21, 2026, armed men kidnapped worshippers during Friday prayers in Kpenya, Niger State, Nigeria, with local reports suggesting over 80 individuals were taken. This incident highlights a concerning trend of mass kidnappings and the consolidation of operational space for armed groups in the Borgu-Kainji corridor, indicating a significant loss of state control in the region.
Marie DuboisMon Aug 24 2026Loading...Borgu in Shock — Over 60 Worshippers Abducted as Lakurawa Opens a Front Towards Benin
The Lakurawa group attacked a mosque in Kpenya, Nigeria, on August 22, abducting over 60 individuals and causing unconfirmed fatalities. The assault involved hundreds of armed attackers and marks a strategic expansion towards the Benin border. Rival group Mahmuda reportedly intervened, enabling some captives to escape, highlighting the complex security dynamics in the region.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 23 2026Loading...
Washington envisions strikes in Mali in 2026 — JNIM forces an American return
On July 18, 2023, an ambush by JNIM and the Front for the Liberation of Azawad killed at least 50 Malian soldiers near Anefis, Gao, in Northern Mali. The U.S. is contemplating military strikes against JNIM as the situation in Mali becomes increasingly complex with Russian support for Malian forces and ongoing threats from armed groups. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the Malian military in securing key routes.
Marie DuboisSat Jul 25 2026Loading...
Mali 2026 — HRW documents 73 civilians killed between JNIM, FLA, and Africa Corps
Between April 25 and June 9, 2026, 73 civilians were killed in Mali due to conflicts involving JNIM, FLA, and Africa Corps. Notable incidents occurred in Zambougou, Gao, and Kidal, where military operations targeted civilian populations. The JNIM has intensified attacks on supply routes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and threatening the stability of Bamako and surrounding areas.
Marie DuboisFri Jul 03 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...
The Sahel at the Time of Unprecedented Alliances: The Coordinated Offensives of April-May 2026 and the Security Restructuring of West Africa
A coalition of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated offensive against Malian armed forces and their Russian allies from April 25 to May 7, 2026, capturing key locations including Kidal. The offensive resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara. Additionally, JNIM attacked a military post in Benin, indicating a broader regional threat.
Marie DuboisSat May 16 2026Loading...The Offensive of April 25, 2026 in Mali: Strategic Fracture and Reconfiguration of the Security Landscape in the Sahel
A coalition of the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), and Islamic State Sahel Province (IS-SP) launched a large-scale offensive against Malian government forces on April 25, 2026. The attack resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and over 200 Malian military personnel. The FLA has taken control of Kidal, while JNIM claims control over parts of Mopti and Gao, indicating a severe deterioration of the Malian security situation.
Marie DuboisThu May 14 2026Loading...The Coordinated Offensive of April 25, 2026 in Mali: A Strategic Turning Point in the Security Crisis of the Sahel
On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA launched unprecedented coordinated attacks across Mali, resulting in over 200 enemy fighters and 23 Malian soldiers killed. The offensive included the assassination of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara and the capture of Kidal by FLA forces, highlighting the fragility of state control. The conflict has prompted regional security responses from neighboring countries.
Marie DuboisFri May 08 2026Loading...
Mali: The Coordinated FLA-JNIM Offensive of April 25, 2026 — The Biggest Security Crisis Since 2012 Shakes the Junta and the Alliance of Sahel States
On April 25, 2026, a coordinated offensive by the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) targeted eight locations in Mali, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara. The offensive led to the capture of Kidal and other strategic areas, while the Malian Armed Forces and Africa Corps faced heavy losses. In retaliation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) initiated airstrikes against jihadist positions.
Marie DuboisThu May 07 2026Loading...
Sahel: The Forest Strategy of Terrorist Groups Disrupts Regional Security
Terrorist groups, including JNIM and ISSP, have escalated their operations in the Sahel, utilizing forests as strategic bases for attacks and illegal activities. In 2025, over 9,362 people were killed in security incidents across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The U.S. has deployed drones to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, while the region faces increasing violence and humanitarian crises due to armed groups blocking aid and targeting civilians.
Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...The Alliance of Sahel States in the Face of the Intensification of the Terrorist Threat: Between Territorial Reconquests and Structural Fragilities
Burkinabè and Malian forces conducted successful military operations against terrorist groups in February and March 2026, regaining control of key towns and neutralizing over 100 militants. The operations included airstrikes and ground assaults, reflecting a coordinated effort by the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the JNIM continues to pose a significant threat, having conducted over 500 attacks in 2025 and controlling substantial territory in Burkina Faso. The situation remains precarious as terrorist groups adapt and maintain operational capabilities.
Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...The Alliance of Sahel States Facing the Jihadist Challenge: Between Tactical Successes and Strategic Realignments
Malian, Burkinabè, and Nigerien forces conducted coordinated military operations from February 21 to March 9, 2026, eliminating over 100 terrorists. The Malian Armed Forces executed a surgical airstrike in Yanfolila, while the Burkinabè army launched a counter-offensive in Northern Sahel. Nigerien forces successfully repelled an attack on the Tahua airport. These actions reflect an intensified commitment to counter-terrorism amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel.
Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...
Burkina Faso: The Forgotten Epicenter of the Sahel Crisis
JNIM attacked Burkinabè military forces in Tandjari, killing at least 50 soldiers. In retaliation, Burkinabè forces eliminated 29 presumed fighters. The situation in Burkina Faso is dire, with the country being the most affected by terrorism globally, and the regime's repression of dissent exacerbating the crisis.
Marie DuboisWed Feb 25 2026Loading...
