Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Mali and the 94 Deaths from Drone Strikes — the Africa Corps Gains the Sky but Loses Ground
Drone strikes by the Malian army and Africa Corps killed 94 civilians in Bamako on October 19, 2026. The strikes are part of a military strategy to compensate for a lack of ground control, but they have led to significant civilian casualties, complicating the operational landscape. The jihadist group JNIM is expected to exploit these casualties for recruitment.
Marie DuboisMon Oct 19 2026Loading...
US Army partners with G-TEAD to advance counter-drone tech in Africa
The U.S. Army's Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) has partnered with the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) to test drone-defence systems in Africa.
A shifting landscape: Where the US Army moved in 2026 and what may be on the horizon
The U.S. Army restructured its forces in 2026, establishing a new Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg and deploying 5,000 troops to Poland. Troops withdrew from Iraq and Syria, while the Army extended deployments in the Indo-Pacific and launched a new multi-domain command. Additionally, the Marine Corps is enhancing its presence in Alaska for extreme cold-weather operations.
JNIM and the Islamic State clash in Burkina Faso — 400 claimed dead and a border war in 2026
ISSP claimed to have killed over 400 JNIM fighters in Oudalan, Burkina Faso, during clashes in October 2026. The fighting has escalated into a significant battle for control over territory and resources between the two jihadist groups. JNIM is estimated to have 7,000 to 8,000 fighters, while ISSP has around 2,000. The conflict has intensified, affecting the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Marie DuboisMon Oct 19 2026Loading...JNIM and the Islamic State clash in the Sahel — 400 deaths claimed in Burkina Faso in 2026
Clashes occurred between Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS Sahel) in Oudalan, Burkina Faso on October 9, 2026. IS Sahel claimed to have killed over 400 JNIM fighters, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing conflict. JNIM maintains a numerical advantage with 7,000 to 8,000 fighters, while IS Sahel has approximately 2,000. Control of key routes is critical for both groups as they vie for dominance in the region.
Marie DuboisSun Oct 18 2026Loading...Egypt announces support for Saudi Arabia in facing the Houthis and a new test for Gulf air defense.
Egypt announced its readiness to support Saudi Arabia in countering Houthi attacks on October 18, 2026. This support comes amid ongoing Houthi drone strikes over Saudi Arabia and a maritime incident involving a vessel off the UAE coast. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of regional security and the challenges faced by Gulf nations in protecting their airspace and maritime routes.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Oct 18 2026Loading...Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Reconnect with ECOWAS — the AES Tests a Security Truce in 2026
Representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) met in Dakar on October 17, 2026, to establish joint working groups aimed at improving cooperation. This marks the first structured contact since the breakdown in relations following the Niger coup in July 2023. The discussions focus on creating a framework for cooperation, with an emphasis on enhancing communication and coordination against security threats in the region.
Marie DuboisSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
After the Liaoning's Western Pacific Training, Why Has the 2026 Circum-Taiwan Grand Exercise Not Yet Appeared?
Chinese military activities were reported near Taiwan, with 15 aircraft and 10 warships active in the region on October 15-16, 2026. The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training in the Western Pacific, while 13 aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's airspace. Taiwan's defense authorities are on alert for potential military exercises by the PLA in the coming months, indicating a shift in PLA strategy towards more frequent, smaller-scale operations.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...Nyala hit by an airstrike — Darfur enters a new phase of urban warfare
Sudanese Armed Forces conducted airstrikes in Nyala targeting a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) command center, resulting in approximately 30 civilian deaths. The RSF accused the government of bombing civilian areas, highlighting the ongoing urban warfare in South Darfur. The situation in Nyala is critical as it serves as a logistical hub, and control over the city is vital for both military factions.
Marie DuboisSat Oct 17 2026Loading...
Saudi Arabia intercepts a ballistic missile and three drones on October 17, 2026, and tests resilience capability
On October 17, 2026, Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Yanbu and three drones over southern regions and Riyadh. The Saudi Armed Forces reported the destruction of two ballistic missile launch platforms in Sadaa, while two missiles fell near Aden, attributed to Houthi forces. The ongoing conflict highlights the strategic importance of Yanbu as a key energy export port.
Ahmed Al-RashidSat Oct 17 2026Loading...
$369,000,000 US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter Biggest Flaw Summed Up in 1 Word
The U.S. Air Force is developing new stealth fuel tanks for the F-22 Raptor to enhance its combat range and maintain stealth capabilities amid evolving threats from China. The current combat radius of the F-22 is seen as a design flaw, particularly in the context of potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. Flight testing of the new tanks is underway as part of a $9 billion modernization program.
JNIM and EIGS clash in Niger — the jihadist war opens a new front in 2026
JNIM and EIGS are engaged in intensified clashes in western Niger as of October 2026, competing for control over key routes and resources. This rivalry is impacting local populations and may lead to increased violence. The Nigerien military is attempting to navigate the complex situation as both groups vie for dominance in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Oct 17 2026Loading...Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Enters Western Pacific for Routine Training, PLA Aircraft Carrier Operational Radius Continues to Expand
The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted routine training in the Western Pacific on October 15 as part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's annual training plan. This operation aims to assess the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the fleet amid ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The training signifies a normalization of long-range operations for the PLA Navy's aircraft carriers.
Li MinghuiSat Oct 17 2026Loading...
U.S. Navy destroyer sails all the way around Africa
USS McFaul (DDG 74) completed a voyage around Africa, stopping in Kenya, Ghana, and Cabo Verde for refueling and supplies. The transit, announced on Oct. 14, 2023, involved logistical support from these nations and highlighted the importance of maritime partnerships. The destroyer, equipped with advanced combat systems, is currently deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area.
U.S. Army takes drone killers to Africa for testing
The U.S. Army is set to test up to 15 counter-drone systems in Tan-Tan, Morocco, in February and March 2027. This initiative, led by the Southern European Task Force, aims to enhance base protection against drones. The systems will undergo operational assessment during the African Lion 2027 exercise, the largest joint military exercise in Africa, co-hosted by Morocco.
Navantia signs a contract to modernize two patrol vessels for Angolan Navy
Navantia signed a contract to repair and modernize two Mandume-class patrol vessels for the Angolan Navy in Angola. This contract aims to enhance the capabilities of the Angolan naval forces.
In 2026, PLA Air Activities in the Taiwan Strait Decreased by 52%, Why Did the Navy's Presence Not Decline Simultaneously?
Chinese military aircraft activity in the Taiwan Strait decreased by 52% in early 2026, while naval presence remained stable. The Liaoning aircraft carrier group commenced routine training in the Western Pacific on October 14, 2026, indicating a shift towards sustained naval operations. Concurrent military exercises were reported in multiple sea areas, suggesting an ongoing strategy to maintain pressure on Taiwan.
Li MinghuiSat Oct 17 2026Loading...
Winston Churchill Signed His Letters to His Wife as “Pig” and Called Her “Cat.” His Line on Pigs Explains Why: “A Pig Will Look Man Right in the Eye and See His Equal”
Winston Churchill reflected on his life and military experiences, emphasizing his views on leadership and equality. He was born at Blenheim Palace in 1874 and served in various military roles, including commanding troops during World War I. Churchill warned against appeasement of Hitler and became Prime Minister during World War II, playing a crucial role in the Allied victory. He was later knighted and awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The US Navy Has a Problem: It Needs to Start Retiring Nuclear Aircraft Carriers and It Has Never Been Done Before
The USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is awaiting dismantling due to complex disposal processes for its eight nuclear reactors. The U.S. Navy has struggled with the logistics of retiring nuclear vessels, leading to increased costs and regulatory disputes. The new USS Enterprise, part of the Gerald R. Ford-class, is also facing construction delays, pushing its delivery to early 2031.
The Navy’s Newest Aircraft Carrier Could Not Handle Its Newest Fighter: The F-35C’s 3,600°F Exhaust Was Too Hot for USS Gerald R. Ford’s Flight Deck as Built
The U.S. Navy conducted successful recovery and catapult launches of two F-35C fighter jets aboard the PCU John F. Kennedy in the Western Atlantic in October 2024. The USS Gerald R. Ford's flight deck initially could not handle the F-35C's 3,600°F exhaust, necessitating upgrades. The Navy is addressing these compatibility issues as it prepares for future operations with advanced aircraft.
