Analysis & Reports

Pakistani security forces effectively responded to unprovoked fire from Afghan armed personnel in the Ghulam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 17, 2023. They targeted an Afghan border post and military camp, resulting in several casualties among Afghan armed personnel. The firefight continues, with Pakistani forces remaining vigilant to secure the national border.

General James N. Mattis, a prominent U.S. Marine Corps leader, served from 1972 to 2019, commanding troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his leadership philosophy that emphasized discipline and historical study, he played a significant role in military operations during the Gulf War and the Iraq War. Mattis's career reflects a blend of aggressive battlefield tactics and a deep understanding of military history.

The Houthis captured Mokha, disrupting Saudi oil exports, and launched attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport in October 2026, resulting in casualties. Saudi Arabia is planning a ground invasion with 100,000 troops to recapture Mokha and Hodeidah. Many international airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia due to security threats, and there are concerns about potential unrest in the Eastern Province fueled by Iranian influence.

Houthi forces attacked King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 11, marking another escalation in military actions against Saudi Arabia. The attacks involved missiles and drones targeting airports and energy facilities. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority is currently evaluating the damage and ensuring facility security.

A projectile landed near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 10, according to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition. The incident highlights ongoing military activities in the region.

The Chinese and Pakistani Armies will conduct a joint military training exercise named 'Karakoram-2026' in the Korla region of Xinjiang, China, in mid to late October 2023. The exercise will focus on high-altitude counter-terrorism operations, including drone operations and sniper training. This marks the first joint military training between the two nations, aimed at enhancing cooperation against terrorism threats.

Pakistani security forces killed 7 militants during an operation in North Waziristan and seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition. The operation was reported by the Prime Minister's office on September 9.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a trilateral defense pact in Mecca on 7 August 2026, aiming to unify their military capabilities against regional threats. This agreement reflects a shift in Saudi Arabia's security policy towards greater autonomy and positions Turkey as a pivotal player in the new security architecture. The pact is seen as a response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning Iran and India.

The F-14D Tomcat, a U.S. Navy aircraft, was retired on September 14, 2006, after participating in key military operations including strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq. A total of 56 F-14Ds were produced, with the last combat mission occurring on February 8, 2006, from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The aircraft featured advanced systems such as the AN/APG-71 radar and JDAM capabilities, marking a significant evolution in naval aviation before transitioning to the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan activated the Mecca Agreement by sending forces to confront the Houthis and test regional deterrence on October 5, 2026. This decision followed an emergency meeting in Riyadh, where the three nations agreed to prepare military support for rapid deployment within Saudi Arabia. The specifics of troop numbers and engagement rules were not disclosed, but the agreement aims to enhance regional security amid increasing Houthi attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Oct 06 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy Hospital Ship "Peace Ark" arrived in Dakar, Senegal on September 25, 2023, as part of the "Harmonious Mission-2026" to provide medical services. Concurrently, Chinese medical teams concluded humanitarian exercises in Laos, treating over 6,275 patients. Following a landslide in Nepal, the Chinese military delivered emergency supplies and personnel to assist in disaster relief efforts. These operations highlight China's commitment to humanitarian assistance in various regions.

Troops from 8 countries, including Russia, China, and Belarus, participated in the 'Central-2026' strategic exercise. The Chinese forces were represented by the Central Theater Command and the 82nd Group Army. This exercise showcases military collaboration among the participating nations.

The UAE government has regularly utilized Aviacon Zitotrans, a sanctioned Russian airline, for military-linked operations in Africa since mid-2025. This includes over 100 missions supporting the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's civil war, with flights often departing from UAE military bases. The airline is also involved in delivering weapons for the Russian government, indicating a complex relationship between the UAE and Russia in regional conflicts.

U.S. Army units, including the Rangers and Marine Special Operations Command, have been utilizing the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle for various combat roles, including anti-tank operations, since its adoption in the late 1980s. The M4 version, introduced in 2017, is lighter and more versatile, allowing for rapid reloading and a variety of ammunition types. The weapon has proven effective in combat situations, particularly in Afghanistan, where it offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive missile systems.

The CIA restored a helicopter that transported the first American team into Afghanistan on September 26, 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. This Russian-designed Mi-8 MTV, also known as an Mi-17, was used in over 300 missions before its retirement in 2012. The restoration commemorates the 25th anniversary of the mission and includes repainting the aircraft to match its original appearance.

SEAL Team 6 utilized the HK416 rifle during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. The HK416, developed to improve upon the M4's gas system, has a service life of at least 15,000 rounds and has been adopted by various military forces worldwide. Delta Force first adopted the rifle in 2004, highlighting its effectiveness in challenging operational environments.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) evaluated the FN SCAR rifles, particularly the Mk 17, which was favored for its performance in combat in Afghanistan. The Mk 16 was discontinued due to insufficient advantages over existing rifles. The SCAR rifles underwent extensive testing, with over 2 million rounds fired, and were designed for versatility with interchangeable parts and calibers.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division tested the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) in India's Rajasthan desert during exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, which involved 600 soldiers from both U.S. and Indian armies. The exercise, running from September 15 to 28, 2026, included joint training on the M777 lightweight howitzer and counter-drone tactics. U.S. forces demonstrated the M-LIDS system's capabilities to Indian Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

The U.S. Air Force's F-35 will participate in the Tarang Shakti multinational air exercise starting on September 26, 2026, at Jodhpur, India, alongside India's F-2A and other aircraft from eight nations. This exercise aims to improve operational interoperability and tactical capabilities among the participating air forces, amidst growing regional tensions with China. Japan's deployment of the F-2A marks a significant step in bilateral military cooperation with India.

Tanaka TakashiSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

U.S. Air Force F-35s participated in India's Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026. The exercise involved eight countries and aimed to test interoperability between U.S. and Indian forces against the backdrop of China's expanding airpower. Indian aircraft, including Rafales and Su-30MKIs, operated alongside the F-35s, with a focus on sharing sensor information and combat tactics.

Marcus ChenFri Sep 25 2026Loading...