Analysis & Reports

On June 27, the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted a joint aerial strategic cruise in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Western Pacific. The operation featured H-6K bombers, advanced fighter jets, and electronic warfare support, demonstrating their commitment to regional stability and military cooperation. This exercise highlighted the capabilities of both air forces in a potential future conflict scenario.

The U.S. withdrew most of its forces from Nigeria following a military operation against ISIS in May, which resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. AFRICOM continues to provide intelligence support at Nigeria's request, emphasizing a partnership model for future security cooperation. The operation significantly disrupted ISIS's leadership and communications, contributing to ongoing military pressure from Nigeria.

The United States has withdrawn most of its combat troops from Nigeria following a successful counterterrorism operation against ISIS in the Lake Chad Basin. U.S. Africa Command confirmed the drawdown during the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, highlighting the operation's success in degrading ISIS leadership. While combat troops have been withdrawn, the U.S. continues to support Nigeria with training and advisory missions.

U.S. Africa Command is withdrawing approximately 200 troops from Nigeria by 2026, while Nigeria seeks to establish a tri-border military sector with Benin and Niger. The withdrawal does not signify a complete abandonment, as the U.S. continues to support Nigeria through intelligence sharing. The Nigerian military aims to close gaps exploited by jihadist groups, particularly in the context of ongoing operations against ISWAP.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 03 2026Loading...

Between April 25 and June 9, 2026, 73 civilians were killed in Mali due to conflicts involving JNIM, FLA, and Africa Corps. Notable incidents occurred in Zambougou, Gao, and Kidal, where military operations targeted civilian populations. The JNIM has intensified attacks on supply routes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and threatening the stability of Bamako and surrounding areas.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 03 2026Loading...

U.S. and French forces conducted a joint live fire training exercise at the Arta training range in Djibouti on June 22, 2026. The exercise involved airstrikes and real-time coordination between ground controllers and aircraft, including the French Dassault Mirage 2000 and SA 342M Gazelle. This training is significant due to Djibouti's strategic location near a Chinese military base and the ongoing military presence of both nations in the region.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is deploying 6,000 troops to seek a route out of the Sahel trap, focusing on military coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In July 2026, the AES aims to establish a command chain for cross-border operations, responding to recent jihadist attacks on strategic locations. The operation Yereko 2 has shown minimal coordination capabilities, highlighting the challenges faced by the AES in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

AFC/M23 has expanded its control in eastern DRC, gaining 35% more territory as of July 1, 2026, despite international pressure. The group, supported by over 10,000 Rwandan soldiers, aims to establish a federal republic in the region. Their activities include administration and recruitment in occupied areas, indicating a shift from rebellion to a more structured political-military organization.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

JNIM and FLA are conducting coordinated attacks to encircle Bamako in 2026, targeting supply routes and civilian vehicles. This has created a siege-like situation, disrupting fuel supplies and military logistics. The attacks have affected multiple locations, including Gao, Kidal, and Mopti, and have led to significant civilian impacts.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

Africa Corps deployed FPV kamikaze drones in northern Mali in 2026 to target rebel and jihadist positions. This adaptation follows the loss of Kidal and aims to disrupt enemy movements. The use of these drones highlights both a tactical shift and challenges in local intelligence and logistics for Russian forces.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

USS Kitty Hawk served as a conventional aircraft carrier from 1961 to 2009, participating in significant military operations including the Vietnam War and Operation Enduring Freedom. The carrier was forward-deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, enhancing U.S. military presence in the Western Pacific. Kitty Hawk represented the last generation of conventional supercarriers before the transition to nuclear-powered vessels.

An airstrike by Malian forces near Inkadewane killed eight civilians, including a health program official, on Friday. This incident is part of escalating military operations in the Ménaka region, where Africa Corps has also conducted drone strikes against suspected terrorist vehicles. The situation raises concerns about civilian safety and military accountability in the area.

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BlackSky's satellite imagery and AI analytics enabled real-time monitoring of border activities, including vehicle movements at a Rapid Support Forces camp in Sudan. The Rybka Garrison in Petrozavodsk, Russia, is identified as a site for military expansion. Persistent monitoring supports proactive resource allocation and enhances tactical awareness in dynamic border environments.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted large-scale raids in multiple towns across the West Bank on June 30, 2023, arresting at least one Palestinian. The operations followed the killing of a 15-year-old Palestinian in Birzeit the previous day. Reports indicate ongoing violence and arrests by Israeli forces in the region, contributing to a significant number of Palestinian casualties since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

Egyptian and Turkish intelligence officials met with Hamas leaders in Cairo on June 30, 2023, to discuss the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza. The talks focused on a U.S.-proposed plan, with Hamas expressing support for the initiative. The discussions also addressed issues related to Hamas's weapon storage and governance in the Gaza Strip, aiming to halt Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This event demonstrated the B-2's enhanced anti-ship capabilities and showcased U.S. military strength to China. The exercise involved collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

ISIS-Sahel exhibited captured weapons in a video, claiming responsibility for three attacks against the Nigerien army on June 28, 2023, in Inates, Tillabéri region. The group aims to demonstrate its ongoing threat in border areas, despite the lack of confirmed details regarding the weapons' origins. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Niger in maintaining security and sovereignty in the region.

Marie DuboisTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy's 48th Escort Task Force participated in the Seychelles' 50th Independence Day parade on June 28, showcasing a disciplined marching formation of 30 personnel. The event received positive feedback from local citizens and officials, highlighting the professionalism and impressive presence of the Chinese military. This parade also commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles.

Chinese peacekeeping forces conducted various activities on June 29, 2024, to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Events included oath-taking ceremonies and educational sessions across multiple locations, including Juba, South Sudan, and Lebanon. The activities aimed to reaffirm the soldiers' commitment to their missions and loyalty to the Party, with participants expressing their determination to uphold peacekeeping standards.

U.S. officials engaged with Mali's government to re-establish intelligence operations amid rising jihadist threats. The U.S. aims to strengthen ties with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso for security and economic interests, shifting focus from democratic transitions to counter-terrorism. Recent attacks by jihadist groups underscore the urgency of U.S. involvement in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Jun 29 2026Loading...