Analysis & Reports

Admiral Samuel J. Paparo visited India from February 14-19, 2026, to strengthen U.S.-India defense relations amid rising Chinese military assertiveness. His discussions focused on operationalizing a 10-year defense framework aimed at enhancing collaboration across various military domains. The visit underscores a strategic shift in U.S. defense policy in the Indo-Pacific region, responding to China's increased military activities.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

Pakistani security forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 21, resulting in the death of 5 terrorists. During the operation, 2 soldiers were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle struck their vehicle. President Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted coordinated attacks in Burkina Faso in February 2026, targeting military bases and civilian markets across multiple locations including Bilanga and Titao. These operations resulted in over 180 fatalities, including soldiers and civilians, and involved hundreds of fighters, indicating a significant escalation in jihadist activities. The attacks demonstrate JNIM's enhanced operational capabilities and strategic intent to undermine state authority and disrupt local economies.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is preparing for potential airstrikes against Iran, with significant air power deployed in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and North Arabian Sea. President Trump has set a ten-day deadline for Iran to reach a meaningful agreement, or face consequences. Israel has stated it is ready for any situation, while Iran is simultaneously conducting military exercises and reinforcing its defenses. The situation remains tense as military readiness increases on both sides.

U.S. military forces are gathering in the Middle East, deploying numerous aircraft and naval vessels across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Concurrently, Iran is reinforcing its military and nuclear facilities while conducting joint naval exercises with Russia. The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier strike group, including F-35C fighters, is positioned in the North Arabian Sea, with additional naval assets in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

The F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom II, and MiG-21 Fishbed represent pivotal advancements in Cold War aviation, each shaped by distinct military doctrines. The F-14, with its advanced missile capabilities, and the versatile F-4, which learned critical lessons in Vietnam, contrast with the enduring MiG-21, still operational in various air forces today. Their legacies continue to influence modern fighter design and air combat strategies.

Li MinghuiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

On February 16, U.S. Southern Command conducted airstrikes against three drug trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 11 male traffickers. No U.S. personnel were injured during the operation, which is part of a series of actions against drug trafficking that began in September 2022. The U.S. government has not released evidence to substantiate the drug trafficking claims.

An explosion occurred in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on February 16, resulting in at least 2 deaths and 16 injuries. The incident was confirmed by local police and reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis died on August 28, 2013, during an insurgent assault on Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan, while shielding Polish Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide bomber. His actions are credited with protecting over 40 service members and civilians. Ollis is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously, recognizing his bravery and sacrifice during the attack.

Ukrainian drones attacked Central Town in Perevalsk, Luhansk Oblast on February 14, injuring 19 civilians, including 3 seriously and 1 child. The attack resulted in significant damage to residential and public infrastructure.

In 2017, the INS Arihant, India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, suffered flooding in its propulsion compartment after a crew member left a hatch open. This incident resulted in nearly ten months of repairs, impacting India's naval readiness during a standoff with China. The event raised significant concerns about operational protocols and the submarine's design, particularly regarding the existence of hatches in critical areas.

In February 2026, Pakistan faced multiple security incidents, including coordinated attacks in Quetta and a suicide bombing in Islamabad, resulting in 216 militants, 22 security personnel, and 36 civilian deaths. This turmoil raises concerns about Pakistan's capacity to fulfill its security commitments under a recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, amidst claims of potential nuclear capabilities in the region. The situation highlights the structural contradictions in Pakistan's defense partnerships.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

The A-10 Warthog is currently engaged in hunting Iranian mines and defending against fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. This aircraft supports U.S. Navy operations by providing low-cost, high-impact capabilities against asymmetrical threats. Despite its critical role, the Air Force intends to retire the A-10 fleet by 2029, although its operational importance remains high.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding Polish Army Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide bomber. He will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, as announced by his parents after a conversation with President Trump. Ollis had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni.

Pakistani security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan, killing 145 terrorists from the Balochistan Liberation Army over 40 hours. The operations were prompted by prior intelligence of potential attacks, resulting in significant casualties among both terrorists and civilians. The Chief Minister reported that this is the highest number of terrorists killed in a short period during Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.

Pakistani security forces killed 92 terrorists in Balochistan Province on January 31 during operations against multiple terrorist attacks. The assaults resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians, with 15 security personnel also killed in the ensuing firefights. The attacks were attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army, with intelligence indicating they were orchestrated by leaders based abroad.

Pakistani security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations on January 31, resulting in the deaths of 58 terrorists and 10 security personnel. The operations targeted the Baloch Liberation Army, which launched attacks in various locations across the country. Security forces are continuing their search and clearance efforts, along with aerial surveillance.

Pakistani security forces conducted operations in Balochistan Province on January 29, 2023, killing 41 terrorists. In Harnai, 30 terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation, while 11 were killed in Panjgur. The forces seized a significant amount of weapons and explosives, and recovered cash linked to a previous bank robbery.

The Chinese Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Island on January 30. These patrols aimed to address illegal intrusions by foreign vessels and included emergency rescue operations for Filipino crew members in distress. This action is part of China's ongoing efforts to assert its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the region.

Allied forces, including the 101st Airborne Division and Australian troops, conducted joint operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during 2014. They provided security and support in a high-risk environment, countering threats from the Taliban. The report emphasizes the significant contributions and sacrifices of these allied forces, countering claims made by President Trump regarding their involvement.