Analysis & Reports

The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance deployed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Niamey during the first quarter of 2026. This action, led by General Daouda Traoré, responds to a dramatic rise in terrorist attacks in the Sahel region. The force, composed of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aims to enhance regional security following its inauguration in December 2025.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance deployed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Niamey during the first quarter of 2026 to counter a surge in terrorist attacks. This force, inaugurated in December 2025, includes troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and is commanded by General Daouda Traoré.

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The U.S. recalibrated its military strategy in the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and increasing defense spending demands on allies. The strategy allocates $901 billion for defense, with significant investments in military capabilities and joint exercises with regional partners. However, the omission of specific commitments regarding Taiwan has raised concerns among allies about U.S. reliability and intentions. Additionally, U.S. military assets have been redeployed from South Korea, complicating regional security dynamics.

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The Algerian Armed Forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation in Tebessa province from March 12 to 13, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 7 terrorists and 3 soldiers. The operation reflects Algeria's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, despite a generally stable security situation in major cities.

The Saab 29 Tunnan, known as the Flying Barrel, was effectively utilized by Swedish UN forces during the Congo Crisis from 1960 to 1963, performing ground-attack and reconnaissance missions. It was armed with 20mm cannons and demonstrated high maneuverability and effectiveness in combat, with no recorded losses. A total of 660 units were produced, establishing Sweden's reputation for advanced fighter aircraft.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formed a unified military force of 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Ouagadougou on February 25-26, 2026, to combat jihadist groups. This initiative comes amid the withdrawal of French and U.S. forces and aims to enhance military coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Concurrently, the CEDEAO announced plans for a joint anti-terrorist force of 260,000 soldiers, highlighting the escalating military response to regional terrorism.

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Iranian forces attacked 16 tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf in March 2026, leading to a surge in oil prices over $100 per barrel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) utilized suicide drone speed boats in these attacks, while U.S. leadership is advised to adopt long-term strategies to counter Iran's military threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council is also considering drone operations against the IRGC's naval capabilities.

IS-Sahel launched an unprecedented attack on Niamey International Airport on January 29, deploying 30 fighters equipped with armed drones and mortars. The assault targeted both civilian facilities and the military base, resulting in the elimination or capture of all attackers after two hours of combat. This operation highlighted the group's ability to strike key locations despite increased counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

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The U.S. Navy is transitioning the design of America-class amphibious assault ships to restore the well deck, enhancing amphibious operations by 2026. This change addresses previous design criticisms that favored aviation capabilities over logistical support for heavy equipment. The USS Bougainville (LHA-8) will lead this transition, reflecting a balanced approach to modern expeditionary warfare.

The U.S. Navy's Blue Ridge-class command ships, USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, serve as vital command-and-control platforms for fleet commanders in the Western Pacific and Mediterranean. These ships, equipped with advanced communications systems, are set to remain in service until 2039, reflecting their unique operational capabilities. They play a crucial role in directing large-scale naval operations, despite their age.

The Daqing ship of the Chinese Navy's 48th Escort Task Force conducted live-fire exercises in the Gulf of Aden, responding to simulated pirate boat attacks. The crew executed rapid maneuvers and utilized both main and secondary guns to successfully engage targets. This operation aimed to enhance the ship's escort capabilities and readiness for real-world threats.

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated offensive in February 2026, targeting military and civilian positions in Burkina Faso, resulting in over 120 casualties. The Burkinabè Armed Forces conducted counter-offensives, regaining control of several strategic locations. The offensive included significant violence against civilians and highlighted internal tensions within JNIM due to a senior commander's defection to a rival group. The situation reflects ongoing instability in the Sahel region.

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The Sahel States Alliance (AES) activated a joint force of 5,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in December 2025 amid escalating military tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS plans to deploy a 260,000-strong counter-terrorism force, further straining relations. A Nigerian military intervention in Benin in February 2026 was viewed by the AES as a sovereignty violation, while U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria have complicated the security landscape. The AES is pivoting towards Russia for military support.

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NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway faced significant disruptions as key military assets withdrew, including the Italian Navy destroyer Andrea Doria and the French carrier strike group Charles de Gaulle, which was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean. U.S. General Grynkewich emphasized a timeline for European strategic autonomy by 2035, highlighting the need for increased defense spending and readiness amid rising threats from Russia. The European Union has activated a defense spending escape clause for 17 member states to address these challenges.

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NATO conducted the Cold Response exercise in the Arctic in March 2026, emphasizing civilian preparedness. The EU announced defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana, reflecting a shift towards strategic autonomy. Tensions in EU-NATO relations escalated due to U.S. policies, prompting the EU to explore independent defense strategies. Cooperation between NATO and the EU continues to focus on countering hybrid threats.

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The FS Charles de Gaulle, a 42,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is conducting operations in the Gulf of Oman and is scheduled for redeployment to the Eastern Mediterranean in March 2026 to protect maritime routes. The carrier, equipped with Areva K15 reactors and Rafale M fighters, has a notable combat history and plays a key role in NATO operations. France is also planning for a new generation of aircraft carriers by the late 2030s.

A fire broke out in the laundry spaces of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on March 12, 2026, while operating in the Red Sea. Two sailors were injured, but the fire was contained and did not compromise the ship's nuclear reactors or Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. The carrier remains operational and continues its mission in support of U.S. military operations against Iran.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense and deterring China, emphasizing deterrence through denial and limited support for allies. The strategy calls for increased military presence along the First Island Chain and pressures allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. However, it notably omits explicit mention of Taiwan, causing concern among regional partners. The U.S. and the Philippines plan over 500 joint military activities for 2026, reflecting heightened defense cooperation.

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In 2026, NATO and the EU are undergoing significant transformations in response to transatlantic tensions, with the EU launching the Readiness 2030 initiative to boost defense spending. The Trump administration's policies have intensified debates on European strategic autonomy, leading to Spain's prohibition of U.S. strikes on Iran. The EU is also expanding defense partnerships with countries like Ghana, indicating a shift towards operational independence from American military support.

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The U.S. is recalibrating its military posture in the Indo-Pacific to address fiscal constraints and enhance deterrence against China. This includes deploying missile systems to the Philippines and increasing defense spending commitments from Japan and South Korea. The AUKUS partnership is advancing operational integration among U.S. and Australian forces, while China continues to expand its military presence in the region. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes a shift towards burden-sharing with allies.

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