Analysis & Reports

U.S. and Israeli forces continued military strikes against Iran, marking the 11th day of conflict. President Trump announced plans to lift some oil sanctions to stabilize prices and discussed the situation with President Putin. Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran. France is considering military deployment in the Hormuz Strait to ensure regional security.

Houthi rebels engaged U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using loitering munitions and anti-ship missiles in 2024. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson were deployed to counter these threats. The Houthis' asymmetric tactics created significant challenges for the Navy, raising concerns about future engagements. U.S. forces learned valuable lessons in naval warfare from these encounters.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was officially launched in December 2025, comprising 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with its headquarters in Niamey. This force aims to counter the growing terrorist threat independently, while the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) plans to establish a standby force of 260,000 soldiers by 2026. Recent terrorist attacks have intensified, highlighting the urgent need for effective regional cooperation amidst political fractures.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

China enhances its A2/AD capabilities to deter U.S. Navy operations in the Indo-Pacific by utilizing advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. This strategic shift limits U.S. aircraft carriers' operational freedom, forcing them to operate from greater distances. The evolving maritime landscape indicates that U.S. naval dominance is increasingly contested as China develops comprehensive defenses for its carriers.

A drone attack struck a market in Nyala, South Darfur on March 8, 2023, resulting in 10 civilian deaths and 7 injuries. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of the ongoing violence in Sudan that has persisted for nearly three years.

ECOWAS activated a regional force of 2,000 soldiers in March 2026 to address escalating terrorist threats in the Sahel. The main terrorist groups, JNIM and ISSP, continue to conduct sophisticated attacks, including a drone assault on Niamey's airport. JNIM has imposed a blockade on fuel convoys in Mali, while the AES has launched a unified force of 6,000 men to combat the crisis. The situation remains critical as these groups threaten regional stability.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

On January 29, 2026, 30 ISIS fighters attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, highlighting the ineffectiveness of current military strategies. In response to escalating violence, ECOWAS announced a plan for a 260,000-soldier anti-terror force, while the U.S. deployed 100 military personnel to Nigeria to bolster local efforts against terrorism. The Sahel region faces increasing fragmentation and competition among security architectures.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

IS-Sahel attacked Niamey International Airport on January 29, 2026, using armed drones and mortars, marking a significant escalation in regional terrorism. JNIM has conducted over 500 attacks in Burkina Faso, controlling 60% of the territory. The CEDEAO activated a standby force of 2,000 soldiers in March 2026, while Russian fighters have been deployed in the AES countries. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

General Patton took command of the U.S. II Corps in March 1943, restoring discipline and leading U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of El Guettar in North Africa. This battle marked the first successful engagement against German Panzers, demonstrating the effectiveness of American forces under Patton's leadership. His reforms and tactical coordination erased the stigma of earlier defeats and validated U.S. military capabilities during World War II.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on bolstering military presence and allied contributions. The strategy notably omits explicit mention of Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. commitment to regional defense. Japan and South Korea are increasing their defense spending in response to U.S. expectations, while the U.S. plans expanded deployments and missile defenses in the region. This approach reflects a shift towards burden-sharing with allies and a realistic diplomatic stance towards China.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

On January 29, 2026, the Islamic State's Sahel Province launched a coordinated assault on Dori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101 in Niamey, utilizing 30 fighters equipped with armed drones and mortars. The attack, which lasted two hours, was ultimately repelled, but it highlights the growing operational capabilities of jihadist groups in the region. In a separate incident in mid-February, 80 soldiers and militia members were killed in an attack in Titao.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

On January 29, 2026, thirty fighters from the Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) launched a two-hour coordinated assault on Niamey International Airport in Niger, demonstrating the group's capability to strike at the heart of Sahelian capitals. The attack, which resulted in the neutralization of all assailants, highlights the escalating terrorist threat in the region, particularly as JNIM has conducted over 500 attacks in Burkina Faso, controlling significant territory.

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A Ukrainian drone boat attacked the Russian gas transport ship 'Arctic LNG' in the Mediterranean Sea on March 3, near Malta. All 30 Russian crew members were rescued. The Russian government has labeled the incident as international terrorism and piracy, claiming the drone was launched from the Libyan coast.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the transition to advanced aircraft, including the F-22 Super, F-35, F-47 NGAD, and B-21 Raider, to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Current operations in Iran have demonstrated the effectiveness of existing aircraft, but future conflicts may necessitate these upgrades. The F-47 is projected to cost $300 million per unit, while the B-21 Raider aims for a production goal of at least 100 units.

ECOWAS activated its Standby Force, deploying 2,000 soldiers to combat armed groups in West Africa by the end of 2026. This decision was made during a meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in response to a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths in the region. The activation represents a shift in military focus from political rebels to ideological groups, highlighting the urgent security crisis in West Africa.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy and Air Force are integrating capabilities for long-range maritime strike operations, utilizing the AIM-174B Gunslinger missile and Quicksink munitions. The MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker will enhance the operational range of carrier air wings. This collaboration aims to bolster U.S. military firepower in the Indo-Pacific region, addressing the challenges posed by long-range adversary weaponry.

U.S. military leaders express concern over the rapid depletion of missile stockpiles due to ongoing operations in Iran, which could compromise military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The conflict may embolden China to take action against Taiwan, as U.S. defense capabilities are strained. Iran continues to launch missile attacks, and the U.S. is facing challenges in replenishing its military resources.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to attack any vessels attempting to pass through, while the U.S. has conducted airstrikes, claiming to have destroyed nine Iranian naval vessels. Approximately 150 oil tankers are currently waiting to transit the strait. The situation highlights the strategic importance of the strait, through which a significant portion of global oil transport occurs.

ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist expansion in the Sahel. This decision follows a significant increase in violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. The ECOWAS Standby Force will face challenges due to a fractured relationship with the Alliance of Sahel States, which has formed its own defense coalition. The situation remains complex, with ongoing security threats and operational difficulties.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

A violent conflict occurred in Abiemnom County, South Sudan, on March 1, resulting in 169 deaths and 68 injuries. The South Sudanese Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services released an official statement on March 2 confirming these casualties.