Analysis & Reports

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including a nuclear power plant, in July 2023. In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait. The conflict has escalated, with both sides increasingly targeting civilian facilities, raising concerns about potential war crimes. The U.S. is repositioning military assets in the region, indicating a possible further escalation of hostilities.

Jihadist groups have established operational bases in the WAP forest, exploiting the area for recruitment and smuggling. Since 2018, these groups have imposed control over resources and have been responsible for significant military casualties, with over 120 soldiers lost in the three-border region from 2021 to 2024. The situation poses a growing threat to the security of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger as these groups can operate with relative impunity.

Marie DuboisMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

A Malian convoy was ambushed near Tabankort while departing Anefis, resulting in 30 soldiers killed and 60 wounded. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) coordinated the attack, highlighting the ongoing military operations in the region. The ambush underscores the challenges faced by Malian forces in maintaining control over critical supply routes between Gao and Kidal.

Marie DuboisMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

The Chinese 6th Peacekeeping Helicopter Unit conducted a joint emergency medical rescue drill with Ghanaian forces in Abyei. The exercise included aerial search, medical treatment, and patient transport, addressing challenges posed by the rainy season. This drill aimed to improve coordination between air and ground medical units for effective emergency response.

Egypt is developing large military facilities while Turkey responds to NATO summit outcomes. Middle Eastern nations are adjusting their military strategies in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Additionally, South Korean defense firm Hanwha has partnered with Emirati firm Generation 5 Holding to enhance regional defense capabilities.

On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA launched coordinated attacks across Mali, targeting Bamako, Kati, Gao, Mopti, and Sévaré. This operation disrupted military logistics and demonstrated their control over key supply routes, contributing to the displacement of 6.8 million individuals. The groups utilized advanced technology, including drones and cryptocurrencies, to enhance their operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Multiple explosions were reported near Abbas Port and Geshm Island on July 19. The Iranian military is likely involved in these incidents, as indicated by local media reports.

The U.S. conducted 74 airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia in 2026, primarily around Baidoa, where federal troops are engaged in conflict with local forces. Al-Shabaab retains control over key areas and continues to exploit the political instability in the region. The shift in U.S. focus back to Al-Shabaab indicates a response to the group's persistent threat despite ongoing military operations.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are exerting pressure on El-Obeid, Sudan, where over 100,000 displaced individuals are surviving in camps with reduced rations. The G7 has urged the RSF to halt actions that could lead to civilian atrocities. The situation is critical as supply routes are threatened, impacting humanitarian aid and increasing the risk of a humanitarian crisis.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

JNIM claims to have taken control of a Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) post in Daka, Burkina Faso, on July 15. This action highlights the group's strategy to undermine state authority in the region. The capture of Daka is significant as it affects local security dynamics and the state's ability to maintain control. The situation in Tougan remains precarious, with potential implications for surrounding villages and state presence.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones on July 17, destroying multiple U.S. military aircraft in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in Southern Iran the previous night. The U.S. strikes targeted infrastructure in Abbas Port, including bridges and residential areas, resulting in casualties.

Pakistan has declared that any attack on Saudi Arabia will be viewed as an attack on itself, marking a significant diplomatic stance amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces. The Houthis have retaliated against Saudi airstrikes, and Pakistan's military leadership has communicated its position to Iran. Concerns are rising that renewed conflict could disrupt the Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched three attacks around Beni between July 12 and July 15, resulting in over 20 deaths. The assaults targeted civilians and Congolese soldiers, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. Local sources report that the ADF's actions are part of a strategy to instill fear and disrupt communication between villages and the Congolese armed forces.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked U.S. military aircraft deployed in Jordan on the night of the 16th, claiming to have destroyed multiple fighter jets and refueling aircraft. This action was a response to U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in southern Iran, including bridges and residential areas. The operation involved the use of ballistic missiles and drones.

Paramount Aerospace Industries unveiled a new counter-drone configuration for its Mwari aircraft in South Africa. This aircraft is designed to detect and neutralize one-way attack drones, addressing vulnerabilities in current air defense systems. The Mwari features an interchangeable mission system bay and can operate without fixed radar installations, enhancing its adaptability in various defense scenarios.

Paramount Aerospace Industries unveiled the Mwari Counter-UAS configuration in Pretoria on 16 July 2026. This new aircraft is designed to counter the threat of one-way attack drones, featuring a modular architecture that allows for customizable mission capabilities. The Mwari can operate independently or as part of an air defense network, equipped with various effector options for engaging low-altitude aerial threats.

Israel is deploying modified commercial vessels as floating bases for 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 15, 2026. This initiative by Elbit Systems aims to enhance maritime surveillance and early warning capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers. The concept is positioned against competitors in the drone maritime market, particularly targeting regional threats to Israeli gas platforms.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

China is developing and deploying naval drones that pose a significant threat to U.S. aircraft carriers, particularly in a potential conflict over Taiwan. The First Island Chain is identified as a critical area for military engagement, with China's drone capabilities integrated into a reconnaissance and strike network. The Zhu Hai Yun vessel, officially a research ship, is capable of deploying drone swarms, enhancing China's naval warfare capabilities.

On July 14, 2026, attacks in Ondo Ugboju and surrounding areas of Benue State resulted in the deaths of 20 civilians. The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent military deployment to address the coordinated violence, which has caused panic and displacement among local communities. Concurrently, military operations in Zamfara successfully rescued 13 hostages, highlighting the ongoing security challenges across Nigeria.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command concluded a series of airstrikes against Iranian targets on July 15, 2023, at 21:00 EDT. The strikes targeted command centers, air defense positions, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites, utilizing precision-guided munitions. Earlier that day, a 90-minute operation was conducted on Great Tumb Island, focusing on coastal defense facilities and cruise missile positions.