Analysis & Reports

ISWAP is actively conducting military operations in Nigeria, with an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 fighters involved. The group is recruiting from local militias like Lakurawa and coordinating with other jihadist factions. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in ISWAP's activities, surpassing historical ISIS affiliates in Iraq and Syria. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist pressure from groups like EIGS, affecting regional stability.

Marie DuboisWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

The hospital ship 'Peace Ark' docked at the Chinese military base in Djibouti on August 11 to conduct a technical stop for resupply and medical services. The ship is part of the 'Harmonious Mission-2026' task force, which has been engaged in various training exercises since its departure on July 22. A welcome ceremony was held with military personnel and embassy representatives.

Japan's 2026 defense white paper highlights a shift in defense strategy, emphasizing increased military spending and the acquisition of unmanned vehicles in response to threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. By FY 2027, Japan aims to enhance its defense capabilities and take primary responsibility for national defense. The country is requesting a record defense budget of JPY8.9 trillion ($56.1 billion USD) to support these initiatives.

The 'Jixiang Fangzhou' hospital ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy recently departed from Qingdao, Shandong, for a humanitarian mission in Africa and South Asia. This marks its first overseas deployment, joining two other hospital ships to provide comprehensive medical support. Equipped with advanced medical facilities, these ships are designed to operate in maritime environments without onboard weapons, ensuring they can respond effectively to medical emergencies.

The U.S. Army opened four domestic testing ranges and one international range in Morocco for private industry to test interceptor missiles. This initiative aims to expedite the acquisition process, allowing companies to access testing within 30 days of request. Covenant Industries successfully tested their Anthem missile in Morocco, marking a significant step in missile development. The Army emphasizes that companies must use their own funds for development and will not subsidize travel or accommodations.

On August 4, 2026, the Malian Armed Forces and Africa Corps conducted targeted airstrikes on illegal gold mining sites in Tessalit and Tabrishat, disrupting funding for the JNIM terrorist group. This operation is part of a larger campaign to combat the financial resources of insurgent groups in northern Mali. The strikes are intended to send a message to local communities about the ineffectiveness of JNIM's protection against aerial attacks.

Marie DuboisFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) served in the Korean War and Vietnam War, completing multiple combat deployments and supporting Marine landings. The carrier was decommissioned in 1970 and sold for scrap in 1971 after financing for a museum project fell through. It received 17 battle stars for its service during these conflicts.

The U.S. is expanding its military base in Bosaso, Somalia, following a meeting with U.S. General Claude K. Tudor Jr. This expansion aims to enhance counter-terrorism operations while the U.S. ends its support for the UN logistics office for AUSSOM. Puntland forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes and intelligence, have regained territory from ISIS. The operational costs of the UN support office are significant, raising concerns about the future of AUSSOM's logistics capabilities.

Marie DuboisMon Aug 03 2026Loading...

Maximus Labs Romania has developed the Max1, a modular unmanned ground vehicle capable of firefighting, construction, and military defense. It is currently operational in the United States, France, and Poland, with further testing in Romania, the UK, Germany, India, and Morocco. The vehicle features advanced AI systems and can operate in hazardous environments, integrating various payloads for defense and logistics roles.

The Italian Navy intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on August 2. The tanker, which refused to cooperate during inspection, was supported by a Greek naval vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft. It was flagged under Cameroon and had departed from Benin, heading to Istanbul.

On July 25, 2026, a long column of armored vehicles and military trucks arrived in Bamako, Mali, delivered by the Russian cargo ship Mikhail Britnev. This shipment, which included BTR armored personnel carriers, was part of Russia's ongoing support for Africa Corps amid a severe security crisis in Mali, marked by increased attacks from armed groups. The logistical route involved transport through Togo and Burkina Faso, highlighting the complexities of military supply in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Aug 02 2026Loading...

Chinese peacekeepers are conducting patrols and providing humanitarian aid in South Sudan, particularly in Juba and Wau, as of August 1, 2023. They are involved in medical assistance and infrastructure repair, commemorating the sacrifice of fallen peacekeepers. The Chinese medical team has treated over 70,000 patients since 2012, and Major General Wu Junhui has been appointed to lead the UN mission, underscoring China's commitment to peacekeeping efforts.

Eight soldiers from the 24 Task Force Brigade were killed by an improvised explosive device on July 30, 2026, while escorting supplies along the Maiduguri-Dikwa route in Borno, Nigeria. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP to Nigerian military logistics and operations in the region. The attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults aimed at disrupting supply lines.

Marie DuboisSat Aug 01 2026Loading...

China aims to expand its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, with three currently in commission and one under construction in Dalian. The People's Liberation Army Navy is increasing its naval operations in the Indo-Pacific, evidenced by five carrier deployments in 2025. The expansion necessitates the development of air wings and logistical support to enhance operational capabilities.

Military leaders from troop-contributing countries met in Kampala on July 29, 2023, to address the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) after the U.S. announced it would cease funding after December 31, 2026. The mission, which currently relies on U.S. logistical support, faces significant challenges from al-Shabaab and uncertainties regarding its operational capacity without American assistance.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

U.S. air-and-missile defense systems are currently facing significant challenges in replenishing munitions stockpiles due to damage to AN/TPY-2 radars in Iran. The U.S. is relocating these critical assets from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which may weaken defense capabilities in those regions. Manufacturing solid rocket motors for interceptors is complex, with issues related to demand signals and regulatory hurdles. New technologies, including liquid rocket motors, are being explored to enhance future capabilities.

The U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets on September 29-30, 2023, following missile attacks from Iran. Iran retaliated with drone strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan, claiming significant damage to F-35 jets. Egypt confirmed drone attacks on its port, indicating a potential escalation of the conflict. Saudi Arabia also engaged in strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, further complicating the regional situation.

JNIM targets 44 mines in the Sahel, utilizing gold mining as a strategic operational base. The group controls local economies through taxation and logistical support, while conflicts related to mining occur predominantly outside the concessions. JNIM's tactics include transforming mining sites into semi-permanent bases, complicating military operations by regular forces. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of Russian forces, which do not effectively secure the area.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the JXR26 joint exercise from July 20 to 24, 2026, simulating a response to a major earthquake and tsunami in the Kinki region. The exercise emphasized humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, with U.S. forces supporting Japan's command. Key areas of focus included medical support, logistics, and effective communication under crisis conditions.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

On July 18, 2026, at least 50 Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush near Anefis, while on June 18, 11 Nigerien soldiers and 2 civilians were killed in an attack on Niamey. JNIM is intensifying its urban operations against Mali and Niger, targeting military and logistical infrastructures. The cooperation between JNIM and FLA highlights a tactical alliance against the Malian Armed Forces and their Russian partners, despite differing political goals.

Marie DuboisTue Jul 28 2026Loading...