Analysis & Reports

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

Algeria Joins Niger in 2026 — A New Front for the AES Against Jihadism

Algeria Joins Niger in 2026 — A New Front for the AES Against Jihadism

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Algerian forces escorted a fuel convoy to northern Niger on October 31, 2026, marking the first troop deployment abroad since 1973. This action follows a parliamentary authorization and a cooperation agreement with Khalifa Haftar's camp. The deployment aims to secure strategic routes and prevent jihadist threats from affecting Algeria's southern regions.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Nov 06 2026

Niger receives 53 Algerian tanker trucks — Algiers and Niamey open a new logistical front in the Sahel

LogisticsMilitary OperationsOperational

On November 2, 2023, 53 Algerian fuel trucks arrived in Agadez, Niger, under military escort. This operation signifies a new logistical front between Algeria and Niger, addressing fuel shortages amid regional sanctions. The presence of Algerian military personnel indicates a shift in Algeria's policy regarding military deployments in its neighboring countries.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Nov 03 2026

Algeria deploys its soldiers to Niger — 60 tank trucks signal a security turning point in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Algeria deployed soldiers to Niger on October 31, 2026, escorting 60 fuel trucks to secure energy interests amid a fuel shortage. This marks Algeria's first external military deployment since 1973, responding to logistical challenges in the region. The operation aims to protect critical infrastructure and support Niger's military efforts against jihadist threats.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisTue Nov 03 2026

The RSF Drones Strike 25 Energy Sites in Sudan — War Enters the Power Grid in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

RSF drones attacked energy infrastructure in Abou Hamad and Debba, Sudan, on November 1, 2026, resulting in extensive power outages. The Sudanese army accused the RSF of these strikes, which have targeted over 25 energy sites since mid-October. The UN condemned these attacks, highlighting their impact on civilians and critical infrastructure.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Nov 01 2026

Mali regains Kidal — JNIM turns symbolic defeat into a war of attrition

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Malian government forces and Russian auxiliaries entered Kidal on October 6, 2026, without encountering resistance, following the abandonment of the city by the FLA. The JNIM is shifting its strategy to a war of attrition, focusing on operations in central Mali, including a significant attack on a military barracks in Dioura. The logistical challenges of maintaining control in Kidal could impact the Malian government's ability to respond effectively in other regions.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 29 2026

Burkina Faso reinstates the death penalty while JNIM strikes the corridors — the state toughens its response in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Burkina Faso reinstated the death penalty for terrorism and related crimes on October 20, 2026, amid escalating violence from JNIM, which claimed responsibility for multiple attacks, including the destruction of an armored vehicle and an ambush on a police convoy. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment, with JNIM conducting over 130 attacks in the country this year. The government’s response aims to assert control but may not effectively address the ongoing insurgency.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisMon Oct 26 2026
Lakurawa strikes Kebbi — Nigeria loses control of its Northwest corridors

Lakurawa strikes Kebbi — Nigeria loses control of its Northwest corridors

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

Lakurawa attacked a federal road construction site in Kangiwa, Kebbi, on October 8, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two Nigerian soldiers and one Chinese national. Nigerian forces later repelled an assault on a nearby base, recovering 17 motorcycles and weapons. This incident highlights Lakurawa's increasing disruption of infrastructure in northwestern Nigeria, posing a significant threat to security and stability in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSun Oct 11 2026

Mozambique and the Islamic State after nine years — Cabo Delgado remains the forgotten front of 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

The Mozambican Defense Armed Forces (FADM) have been engaged in counter-insurgency operations against ISIS-linked insurgents in Cabo Delgado since October 5, 2017. Despite training over 1,600 personnel, the FADM faces significant challenges in local intelligence and community trust, leading to operational weaknesses. Insurgents utilize mobile tactics to disrupt supply routes, while allegations of human rights abuses by the military further complicate the situation.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Oct 09 2026

Mali regains Kidal with Russian support — the military victory creates a security vacuum

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Malian forces entered Kidal on October 6-7, 2026, following the withdrawal of Tuareg fighters. This operation, supported by Russian military assistance, is viewed as a strategic recovery of the city. However, the situation remains precarious, with concerns about jihadist groups exploiting the withdrawal of Tuareg forces and the need for a sustainable military presence.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Oct 09 2026
Mali regains Kidal with Russian support — the victory of the AES opens a new front in 2026

Mali regains Kidal with Russian support — the victory of the AES opens a new front in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Malian Armed Forces entered Kidal on October 6, 2026, reclaiming the city with support from the Russian Africa Corps after the withdrawal of Tuareg fighters. This operation, while a territorial success, presents significant logistical challenges for maintaining control and securing supply routes. The absence of a decisive battle raises concerns about the potential for jihadist exploitation of the situation.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Oct 08 2026
Burkina Faso Facing JNIM — Roads Become the Real Front of 2026

Burkina Faso Facing JNIM — Roads Become the Real Front of 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

The Burkinabè army engaged in over 130 operations against JNIM in 2026, struggling to secure logistics routes in the north and east. JNIM disrupts state movements, forcing local leaders to negotiate directly with them. The army's reliance on local volunteers and Russian support has not resolved intelligence deficits, while political restrictions limit the flow of critical information. The effectiveness of military operations is measured by the ability to maintain open transport corridors.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Oct 03 2026
Burkina Faso and JNIM after four years of Traoré — the security promise turns against the junta

Burkina Faso and JNIM after four years of Traoré — the security promise turns against the junta

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Burkinabè Armed Forces increased military operations against JNIM in 2026, facing over 130 attacks. Control over supply routes and territory remains a challenge, with the military struggling to maintain logistics. The growing partnership with Russia does not alleviate operational constraints, and civilian information sharing is limited due to fears of collaboration with the enemy.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Oct 02 2026
JNIM and ISSP Target Gold Mines in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in 2026

JNIM and ISSP Target Gold Mines in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

JNIM and ISSP are actively targeting gold mines in Inata and the Liptako-Gourma region, controlling supply routes and taxing miners. The groups have established operational control since June 2026, exploiting the local economy and recruiting from vulnerable communities. A recent attack on the Dioura military camp resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the operational challenges faced by local forces.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisSat Sep 26 2026
JNIM suffocates Bamako in Mali — 300 tankers destroyed in 2026

JNIM suffocates Bamako in Mali — 300 tankers destroyed in 2026

LogisticsMilitary OperationsOperational

JNIM has imposed a blockade on Bamako since April 28, 2026, destroying over 300 fuel trucks and disrupting supply routes. The blockade has forced armed escorts for transport vehicles, significantly impacting fuel availability in the capital. JNIM's actions are accompanied by coercive public rules, while their coalition with the FLA adds to the threat against Bamako.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Sep 24 2026
JNIM and the Islamic State push Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger towards 3,000 acts of violence in 2026

JNIM and the Islamic State push Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger towards 3,000 acts of violence in 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

JNIM and the Islamic State are expected to escalate violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with over 3,000 incidents projected for 2026. Significant attacks have occurred, including a coordinated offensive on April 25 targeting multiple cities. The security situation has worsened, highlighted by the death of the Malian Defense Minister in a suicide attack, reflecting the growing influence of jihadist groups in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisThu Sep 17 2026
JNIM seizes gold mines in Burkina Faso — the Sahel transforms its deposits into operational bases in 2026

JNIM seizes gold mines in Burkina Faso — the Sahel transforms its deposits into operational bases in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

JNIM has seized control of gold mines in Burkina Faso, transforming them into operational bases as of 2026. The group capitalizes on the mining activities to tax local miners and transporters, creating a revenue stream and intelligence network. This situation has led to increased violence in the region, particularly as JNIM competes with ISSP for control over these valuable resources.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisMon Sep 14 2026
Sudan on Foreign Life Support — 2,000 Colombians and Imported Drones Extend the War in 2026

Sudan on Foreign Life Support — 2,000 Colombians and Imported Drones Extend the War in 2026

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentLogisticsHybrid

On September 3, 2026, foreign networks supplied 2,000 Colombian fighters to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, while the Sudanese Army utilized foreign-supplied drones in operations. This support has led to increased military capabilities and significant civilian casualties, with recent attacks resulting in over 180 deaths. The conflict is becoming more sophisticated and transnational, with logistics corridors extending beyond Sudan's borders.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Sep 04 2026

Borno 2026 — two surrenders and a thwarted ambush do not resume the Monguno-Banki axis

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

On September 2, a patrol from the 151 Task Force Battalion was attacked by an IED and gunfire along the Miyanti-Banki axis in Borno, resulting in the death of three assailants. Two ISWAP fighters surrendered in Monguno with assault rifles and personal items. Despite these events, the Nigerian Army struggles to maintain control over supply routes, indicating ongoing logistical challenges in the region.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisWed Sep 02 2026
Kopre Mountain in Adamawa — 21 jihadists killed but Boko Haram still stretches the Nigerian front in 2026

Kopre Mountain in Adamawa — 21 jihadists killed but Boko Haram still stretches the Nigerian front in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

On August 27, 2026, the Nigerian Army's Hadin Kai operation killed 21 jihadists at Kopre Mountain in Adamawa. The military engaged in two armed confrontations and destroyed a logistical depot containing motorcycles, bicycles, and weapons. This operation highlights the ongoing insurgency's expansion into southern Adamawa, indicating a shift in jihadist tactics and operational geography.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisMon Aug 31 2026

Algeria reconnects with Niger and Mali — the AES seeks the depth it lacks in the north by 2026

Political-MilitaryLogisticsStrategic

Algeria is re-establishing diplomatic ties with Mali and Niger to enhance logistical and security cooperation. Meetings in Algiers involved leaders from both countries, focusing on operational needs in the Sahel. Algeria's role is deemed essential for stabilizing the northern region, as the AES seeks to strengthen its partnerships and address security challenges.

Marie DuboisMarie DuboisFri Aug 28 2026