Analysis & Reports

On June 25, Taiwan's defense department reported that mainland military aircraft entered its southwestern airspace and the western Pacific for long-range operations. The People's Liberation Army conducted these activities, and Taiwan released high-definition images of a drone circling the island. The defense ministry characterized the actions as a form of intimidation by pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

On June 25, Taiwan's defense department reported that mainland military aircraft entered its southwestern airspace and the western Pacific for long-range operations. The People's Liberation Army released high-definition images of a drone circling Taiwan, asserting that they are closely monitoring the situation. Taiwan's defense spokesperson criticized these actions as self-deception by pro-independence forces.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia between June 14 and June 19, 2026, with at least 68 strikes reported since the beginning of the year. General Christopher Donahue is set to leave his command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, impacting operations in the region. The campaign increasingly relies on bases in Djibouti and Kenya, while the U.S. seeks to enhance its engagement with local Somali leaders.

Marie DuboisThu Jun 25 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific in June 2023, with Japan tracking the group but failing to capture clear images. This indicates an increase in the operational capabilities of the Chinese military, as they are able to operate more flexibly and effectively in broader maritime areas. Japan's monitoring resources are being stretched as a result of these developments.

Li MinghuiThu Jun 25 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy's 48th Escort Task Force will visit Seychelles in late June to participate in the 50th anniversary parade of the country's independence. This marks China's first involvement in such an event, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and strategic trust between China and Seychelles.

The Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted a training exercise in the Western Pacific, during which the Japanese Defense Ministry failed to capture any clear images. Despite multiple attempts to monitor the group, Japanese forces were hindered by the Liaoning's advanced electronic warfare systems, resulting in a lack of actionable intelligence. This exercise showcased the enhanced operational capabilities of the Chinese Navy, making it difficult for Japanese forces to maintain effective surveillance.

The Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier and its task force successfully conducted a training exercise in the Western Pacific, evading close surveillance from Japanese forces. Despite multiple attempts to monitor the exercise, Japanese vessels and aircraft failed to capture clear images or maintain tracking of the task force. This operation demonstrated the enhanced operational capabilities and electronic warfare systems of the Chinese Navy, complicating reconnaissance efforts by Japan.

On June 23, 2023, a Malian army patrol, accompanied by Russian fighters from the Africa Corps, killed four civilians near Tombouctou, with two victims reportedly struck by a drone. Local sources described the victims as Tuareg and Songhai herders. Following the incident, a dismembered body was discovered arranged in a swastika shape, raising concerns about operational conduct. Concurrently, the JNIM claimed an attack on a Malian army convoy in another region, highlighting the ongoing violence in Mali.

Marie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026Loading...

U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia on June 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19. The strikes were concentrated near Kismayo, a region where Al-Shabaab has been active for years. This year, the U.S. has carried out 68 airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in Somalia.

U.S. Africa Command conducted 68 airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia since early 2026, with four strikes reported in June alone. The airstrikes aim to disrupt al-Shabaab's operations, but political instability in Mogadishu complicates the situation. Reports indicate civilian casualties from previous strikes, raising concerns about the effectiveness and consequences of the air campaign.

Marie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026Loading...

RAND study indicates that the U.S. Navy may struggle to repair battle-damaged ships during a potential conflict with China in August 2025. The analysis highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. repair logistics, particularly in the Western Pacific, while noting that the Chinese Navy has advantages due to closer industrial support. The report emphasizes the need for improved logistics and pre-positioning of spare parts to maintain operational readiness.

Li MinghuiWed Jun 24 2026Loading...

Intense fighting erupted in Obeid, North Kordofan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, resulting in at least 50 civilian deaths. Since early June 2023, the Rapid Support Forces have increased troop deployments and launched attacks using artillery and drones. The conflict has severely disrupted essential services, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting approximately 500,000 civilians.

The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting routine operations with Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Gulf of Aden and U.S. 3rd Fleet. These ships are capable of launching F-35B Lightning II fighters and supporting Marine Expeditionary Units. The operational focus includes island warfare in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing the Marines' combat capabilities.

China's aircraft carriers, including Liaoning, Shandong, and the upcoming Fujian, are actively engaged in extensive training and operational exercises in the Western Pacific from 2023 to 2025. Shandong conducted significant drills in April and September 2023, while Fujian is set to enter service in November 2025, showcasing advanced capabilities with electromagnetic catapults. The dual-carrier exercises aim to improve the combat readiness of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) claimed responsibility for two attacks in Nigeria in 2026, resulting in the deaths of 17 soldiers near Giro Masa and Rumji Dan Tudu. This marks the first official acknowledgment of ISSP operations in Nigeria since 2019, indicating a significant shift in the jihadist landscape. The report emphasizes the operational challenges posed by the ISSP's presence in the northwestern region, complicating the Nigerian military's response.

Marie DuboisTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group completed over 40 days of realistic combat training, returning safely to Qingdao on the 22nd. The training involved operations in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, enhancing the group's capabilities through joint exercises with amphibious assault ships. The use of the Yunyou-20 tanker significantly increased the operational range of the carrier-based J-15 fighter jets, while the group remained vigilant against provocations from Japanese naval forces.

Valiant Shield 26 commenced on June 22, 2026, involving the U.S. Army and Japan Self-Defense Forces in multi-domain interoperability training. The exercise, running until July 1, includes the deployment of Typhon missile systems and HIMARS at Kano Air Base for integrated anti-ship warfare. The focus is on maintaining operational readiness and deterrence in the Western Pacific, with training extending from Kagoshima to Hawaii and Guam.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier returned to Qingdao on June 22 after 40 days of training, marking the first public joint exercise with the Anhui amphibious assault ship. The training involved various tactical operations, including live-fire exercises, in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, while being monitored by Japanese naval forces. This exercise aimed to enhance coordination between different naval platforms and tested the PLA Navy's operational capabilities.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

U.S. warships faced significant challenges in being quickly repaired and returned to combat during a hypothetical war with China, as maintenance facilities would be overwhelmed and spare parts would be insufficient. The study highlighted the need for improved coordination with Pacific allies and the expansion of mobile repair capabilities. Additionally, the complexity of repairs in a hostile environment poses risks to U.S. maritime dominance.

JNIM launched an attack on Niamey on June 19, 2026, targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military base, resulting in 13 government personnel killed and 22 attackers killed. This marks the second assault on this strategic location within five months, indicating a shift in jihadist tactics towards urban centers in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisMon Jun 22 2026Loading...