Analysis & Reports

Hezbollah launched numerous rockets at northern Israel on May 30, 2023, with some intercepted by air defense systems. One rocket exploded in the town of Shimon, damaging buildings but causing no injuries. The Israeli military is preparing for potential further attacks from Lebanon as operations expand into southern regions.

JNIM and ISSP engaged in clashes in Petel Kolé, Tillabéri, Niger, in April 2026, impacting supply routes to Burkina Faso and Benin. The conflict reflects a broader struggle for control over key transit areas in the Sahel. Concurrently, JNIM has demonstrated increased operational capacity in Mali, while the situation in the Lake Chad basin remains interconnected with ongoing violence in the region.

Marie DuboisSat May 30 2026Loading...

L3Harris was awarded a $48.5 million contract to produce proximity fuzes for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to enhance its effectiveness against drones. The contract, which could total $98.4 million, includes work through September 2028 and involves multiple branches of the U.S. military. Testing at Yuma Proving Ground confirmed the fuze's effectiveness against larger unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Islamic State of the Sahel Province (ISSP) attacked a base of the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) near Petel Kole, Niger, in early April, claiming to have killed 35 fighters. This incident marks a significant escalation in the Sahel conflict, as it opens a new front in Niger and indicates a shift in the dynamics between jihadist groups in the region. The ISSP also seized weapons and motorcycles from JNIM, further complicating the security situation for the Nigerien government.

Marie DuboisSat May 30 2026Loading...

The European Aspides mission is expanding to include four ships to enhance protection for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 28, 2026. This expansion aims to address the challenges posed by Iranian military threats and ensure freedom of navigation in a critical global energy corridor. The mission currently operates with limited naval assets, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced by European forces in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army deployed Typhon and HIMARS systems to Kano for training exercises from June to October 2026, as part of Valiant Shield 2026 and Resolute Dragon 26. This deployment enhances the operational readiness of U.S. forces and Japanese Self-Defense Forces in the southwestern region, integrating various military capabilities for deterrence. The Typhon system provides mid-range missile capabilities, while HIMARS training focused on mobile firing tactics.

Tanaka TakashiSat May 30 2026Loading...

On May 23, 2026, the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued 92 civilians from ISWAP captors on the Buratai-Kamuya road in Borno. This operation followed the reported deaths of 175 ISWAP fighters in recent U.S.-Nigerian joint strikes. The insurgents demonstrated tactical maneuvers by using IEDs during their retreat, indicating ongoing threats in the region.

Marie DuboisFri May 29 2026Loading...

JNIM imposed a blockade on roads leading to Bamako in May 2026, significantly increasing the price of sheep and impacting local families ahead of Tabaski. The blockade has disrupted supply routes, forcing the military to divert resources for escorting convoys. While supplies still reach Bamako, the reduced flow creates economic pressure, indicating a strategic shift in the conflict dynamics in Mali.

Marie DuboisFri May 29 2026Loading...

China has deployed over 50,000 personnel to UN peacekeeping operations since 2003, significantly contributing to missions in South Sudan and beyond. Major General Wu Junhui was appointed as the commander of the UN mission in South Sudan, marking a notable shift in China's role within the UN peacekeeping framework. Chinese forces have also completed over 800 infrastructure projects, providing essential humanitarian assistance.

Iranian armed forces launched missiles from southern regions targeting specific locations on May 28. Following an attack on Abbas Port, they struck back at the bases responsible. Reports suggest potential skirmishes in the Persian Gulf, though not officially confirmed.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is conducting training exercises in the Western Pacific with the Liaoning aircraft carrier and its accompanying fleet. The exercises include tactical flight, live-fire shooting, and comprehensive rescue operations. This naval formation consists of a 055-class destroyer, a 052D-class destroyer, a 054B-class frigate, and a 901-class supply ship, marking the first participation of the 054B-class frigate in such operations. These activities are part of the PLAN's annual training plan to enhance combat readiness.

Colombian military contractors are operating alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan, participating in frontline combat and drone operations. U.S. sanctions have targeted networks recruiting these contractors, indicating a significant shift in the operational capabilities of the RSF. The presence of these contractors enhances the RSF's military effectiveness, particularly in drone warfare and coordination of military actions.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific on May 19, which included live-fire drills. This training was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense as part of a routine annual plan and is viewed as a significant test of the carrier's new combat capabilities. The exercises aim to enhance the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Joint airstrikes by Nigerian Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) killed 175 ISWAP fighters around Lake Chad from May 16 to 19, 2026. The operation targeted high-ranking jihadist Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, indicating a shift from advisory to active military involvement by U.S. forces. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISWAP's territorial and logistical capabilities, although the long-term impact on the group's operations remains uncertain.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against a U.S. airbase on May 28 in response to a prior U.S. airstrike near Abbas Port. The Iranian government condemned the U.S. actions, asserting they violated Iran's sovereignty and international law.

On May 25, 2026, Iranian military jamming of GNSS systems affected approximately 1100 ships in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing vulnerabilities in maritime defense. This electronic warfare tactic complicates navigation and raises operational risks for vessels in the region. Concurrently, U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes against Iranian missile launch sites, indicating ongoing military tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. military fired artillery at scorched earth around Abbas Port on May 28 in retaliation for a U.S. tanker being forced to turn back while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The attack did not result in any casualties or property damage.

U.S. military shot down four Iranian drones targeting a merchant ship on May 27, 2023, and conducted airstrikes against a location posing threats to U.S. forces and commercial shipping. Explosions were reported near Abbas Port shortly after these actions, indicating ongoing military engagement in the region.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Iran on May 27, 2023, targeting Iranian vessels and air defense systems that posed threats to U.S. forces and commercial shipping. Explosions were reported near Abbas Port, and U.S. forces intercepted drones launched from Iran. Iran has accused the U.S. of violating a ceasefire agreement.

JNIM attacked two positions of the Beninese army in Kourou Koualou on the night of May 25-26, 2026, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers. The attackers arrived on motorcycles from the Burkina Faso border, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. This incident tests the new Beninese presidency's security measures and military readiness.

Marie DuboisWed May 27 2026Loading...