Analysis & Reports

Boko Haram and ISWAP attacked the village of Wumbi on September 21, 2026, resulting in five fatalities, including a militia leader. The assault caused significant civilian displacement and highlighted vulnerabilities in local security. Concurrently, the Nigerian Army repelled an ISWAP attack in Pulka on September 7, 2026, maintaining their positions with air support.

Marie DuboisSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

On September 27, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces conducted a drone attack on a strategic fuel depot near Wad Madani, igniting a fire. The depot, located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the city, is one of Sudan's key fuel storage facilities. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish the blaze, and the extent of casualties and material losses remains unclear.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) experienced 68 operational mission failures with its Advanced Weapons Elevators during 14,842 cycles from 2021 to 2024. The elevators, designed to lift 24,000 pounds, faced significant delays and integration challenges, impacting the carrier's operational capacity. All elevators were declared operational in December 2021, but the carrier was not combat-ready until 2022 due to ongoing technical issues.

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 DuboisSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey characterized the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as a security bulwark against jihadist threats during a speech in New York in September 2026. He emphasized the need for political solidarity to address the instability caused by jihadist groups in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Togo aims to navigate its diplomatic relations with the AES while acknowledging the challenges of regional security and the limitations of the AES's operational effectiveness.

Marie DuboisSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

On September 25, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces regained control of the strategic town of Sodari from the Rapid Support Forces after intense fighting, which resulted in significant losses for the enemy. Sodari is located approximately 200 kilometers northwest of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, and serves as a crucial transportation route between central Sudan and western Darfur. The conflict in the Kordofan region has escalated since July 2023, contributing to over 59,000 deaths in the ongoing armed conflict.

The SR-71 Blackbird, operated by the U.S. Air Force, was designed to leak JP-7 fuel on the ground as part of its operational design. It was capable of high-speed reconnaissance, photographing vast areas from 80,000 feet. Notably, it achieved speeds of Mach 3.55 during missions, including a flight over Libya. The aircraft's unique fuel system necessitated aerial refueling shortly after takeoff.

Russia is developing the S-500 air defense system, which poses a significant threat to U.S. and allied aircraft, particularly stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. The system is expected to be sold to China and India, enhancing their military capabilities and complicating U.S. strategic planning in the Pacific and Europe. The S-500's operational range is approximately 370 miles, allowing it to monitor airspace effectively.

Diomaye Faye addressed the UN General Assembly in September 2026, calling for enhanced regional cooperation to combat terrorism in the Sahel. He highlighted the recent attack by JNIM on a Malian military camp, which resulted in numerous casualties, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated security response. Faye's remarks reflect the challenges faced by Senegal and the broader region due to the transnational nature of terrorist threats.

Marie DuboisFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia requested Israeli intelligence support through CENTCOM on September 15-16, 2026, to counter Houthi threats and protect its oil facilities and maritime routes. This request highlights the need for enhanced intelligence capabilities following recent attacks on critical infrastructure. The cooperation is intended to provide early warning and improve threat assessment without publicly normalizing relations with Israel.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

In 2026, armed groups, particularly Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), increased incursions across the Nigeria-Sahel border, notably in Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi. The relationship between Nigeria and the Sahel States Alliance (AES) has deteriorated, complicating military coordination. The region has seen a rise in terrorist incidents, with a notable increase in violence and operational challenges for local forces.

Marie DuboisFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

A Chinese HQ-17 short-range air defense system has been spotted in camouflage matching Algerian military vehicles, suggesting it is on its way to Algeria. This system is a Chinese adaptation of the Russian Tor-M1 and is designed to protect against low-flying threats. Algeria operates a significant air defense network that incorporates both Russian and Chinese systems, enhancing its military capabilities in the region.

Jihadist groups, including JNIM and the Islamic State in the Sahel, have increased their operations in the Nigeria-Niger-Benin triangle, resulting in 504 deaths in 2026. The Nigerian Armed Forces have responded by launching Operation Savannah Shield and increasing troop numbers by 28,000. Attacks on oil pipelines and the exploitation of weak border areas pose significant security challenges for the region.

Marie DuboisThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

The Chinese support base in Djibouti is operating normally, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense during a recent press conference. This assurance comes amid escalating conflict near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

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 DuboisThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

Ethiopia's military has received at least two Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems, likely delivered through the UAE, for deployment around Bahir Dar Airport. These systems are intended to protect Ethiopian National Defense Forces' aircraft and drones amid ongoing conflict with Fano militias in the Amhara region. The FK-2000 is designed to counter various aerial threats, including drones and missiles.

JNIM attacked a Malian military post in Dioura on September 10, 2026, claiming over 100 soldiers were killed. The attack resulted in the post ceasing communication, and JNIM released videos purportedly showing captured soldiers. This incident underscores the challenges faced by isolated military positions in Mali amid rising jihadist violence.

Marie DuboisWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Houthi forces regained control of strategic coastal areas in Yemen, including the Bab el Mandeb Strait, in September 2023. They are employing advanced drone tactics against Saudi Arabia, which has failed to effectively counter these advances. This situation has disrupted global shipping routes and highlighted the weaknesses of the Saudi-led coalition.

Representatives from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso unified their military efforts under the Sahel Alliance (AES) on September 22, 2026. Turkey is supplying Bayraktar drones to enhance AES's military capabilities, aiming to provide a visible military presence without the political costs of Western deployments. However, the effectiveness of these drones is contingent on integrated intelligence and ground operations to counter groups like JNIM and ISIS.

Marie DuboisWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Intense fighting occurred between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces in Taiz province, resulting in at least 16 deaths and dozens of injuries. The Houthi forces reported over 600 casualties among government troops. Saudi Arabia conducted 936 airstrikes against Houthi positions, while the UK announced it would provide military support to Saudi Arabia. Houthi leaders warned against foreign intervention in the conflict.