Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The JNIM Submerges Titao with Hundreds of Fighters — Seven Ghanaian Traders Killed in the February 14 Offensive in Burkina Faso
On February 14, 2023, JNIM launched a coordinated attack on Titao, Burkina Faso, overwhelming a well-equipped military post and targeting civilian traders. Seven Ghanaian traders were killed in the assault, which involved systematic destruction of telecommunications and economic infrastructure. The attack highlights JNIM's operational capabilities and strategic targeting of supply routes in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...
Saad leaves JNIM for the Islamic State — the largest transfer of fighters ever observed in eastern Burkina Faso
Saad defected from JNIM to ISIS in February 2026, taking a large number of fighters with him. This event marks the largest transfer of militants from JNIM to ISIS in eastern Burkina Faso, creating significant operational implications in the region. The defection is expected to intensify the ongoing conflict between the two groups, which has already resulted in substantial casualties.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...First wave of US troops arrive in Nigeria to train its military
Approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for support in counter-terror operations against extremist groups. The U.S. forces will act as advisers and are not intended for combat roles. A total of 200 troops are expected to be deployed in total, enhancing Nigeria's capabilities to deter terrorist threats.
US troops deploy to Nigeria to train its military
U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria today to assist in training and supporting the Nigerian military. This deployment of approximately 100 troops follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for training and technical support. The U.S. forces will act as advisers, focusing on helping Nigeria combat extremist terrorist groups.
The MQ-9 Can See China's Ships — But Can't Survive a Fight
The MQ-9 Reaper conducts reconnaissance missions over the South China Sea and Western Pacific, providing critical targeting data. However, its lack of survivability in contested environments poses significant risks, especially against China's advanced air defense systems. The U.S. military's reliance on the MQ-9 for ISR in potential conflicts raises concerns about its effectiveness and vulnerability.
Marcus ChenMon Feb 16 2026Loading...The U.S. Can’t Win in the Air In a China War If It Can’t Take Off
U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific is at risk from Chinese missile strikes targeting forward bases, which could severely disrupt sortie generation. The initial damage is expected to occur on the ground, affecting runways and fuel systems. The ability to quickly repair and relaunch aircraft under sustained missile pressure will be crucial for maintaining operational tempo. Logistics and resilience will become central to U.S. air operations in a potential conflict with China.
Borgu confirms the porosity of the Niger-Nigeria border — 46 dead in three villages targeted by motorcycle fighters
Armed men on motorcycles attacked the villages of Tungan Makeri, Konkoso, and Alissa in Borgu, Nigeria, on February 15, resulting in 46 deaths and numerous kidnappings. The attacks, attributed to groups like Lakurawa and JNIM, highlight the growing insecurity in the region, prompting local leaders to call for military intervention. This incident reflects a concerning trend of jihadist expansion in the area.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...When Intelligence Influence Becomes a Weapon: Egypt and China Encircle the Israeli Mossad in Africa
Egyptian and Chinese intelligence agencies initiated a campaign in early 2026 to counter Israeli Mossad activities across Africa, focusing on Sudan and Libya. This collaboration involves advanced surveillance technologies and military exercises, aiming to diminish Israeli influence in the region. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Egypt and China against common threats.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Feb 16 2026Loading...The Pentagon Wants Allies to Do More in the Indo-Pacific — But Can They?
The Pentagon is urging allies to enhance their military capabilities to deter China in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending and readiness. However, current allied naval capabilities are insufficient, and there are doubts about their commitment to a Taiwan crisis. The U.S. strategy relies on assumptions about allied readiness and industrial capacity that are not yet met.
Marcus ChenMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Niamey accuses Paris of financing the airport attack — diplomatic escalation in the Sahel reaches a new level
Niger accused France of financing the January 28-29 attack on Niamey airport, claiming that French intelligence agencies supplied mercenaries with weapons since April 2025. The Nigerien Armed Forces reported neutralizing 20 mercenaries and capturing 11 others. This accusation represents a significant diplomatic escalation, with the Russian ambassador supporting Niger's claims, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...China’s New H-20 ‘Flying-Wing’ Stealth Bomber Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to enhance its long-range power-projection capabilities, aiming to threaten targets like Guam. However, U.S. officials express skepticism regarding its development and ability to achieve low observability comparable to advanced U.S. bombers. The current backbone of China's strategic bomber force consists of approximately 200 H-6 bombers, which are limited in range and payload capacity.
Titao demonstrates the formidable effectiveness of Burkinabé VDP against jihadist groups
On February 14, Burkinabé Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) repelled a jihadist attack in Titao, Loroum Province, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and recovering significant military equipment. The VDP, a civilian militia, has been instrumental in local defense against jihadist incursions, demonstrating the effectiveness of a hybrid defense model under Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Now Have a Serious ‘Battleship’ Problem
China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.
The unified force of the AES increases to 6,000 men — the military bet of the three capitals in the face of security chaos
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani announced an increase in the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers on February 14, 2024, in Niamey. This move reflects the strategic ambitions of the military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso amid ongoing jihadist threats. The AES, formed in response to regional pressures and the withdrawal of French forces, aims to establish operational capability without Western support, while also signaling a shift towards closer ties with Russia.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...
Sorry, B-21 Raider: China’s New H-20 Strategic Stealth Bomber Summed Up in 2 Words
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to enhance its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, aiming for dominance over the First Island Chain. U.S. officials assert that China currently lacks a global-range bomber, but the H-20's introduction could shift the balance of power. The bomber is expected to be operational within the next few years, posing a significant threat to U.S. military interests in the region.
China's New Carrier Missile Pushes the Threat Ring 700 Miles Out
China's J-15 fighter was photographed carrying two YJ-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles in 2025, demonstrating operational readiness. The YJ-15 can engage targets at ranges of 1,200 to 1,800 kilometers, significantly extending the threat range for surface ships. This development coincides with China's expansion of its carrier fleet, including the new Fujian carrier, which enhances its naval strike capabilities in the South China Sea and Western Pacific.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
How to Save the U.S. Navy from Becoming A Bunch of Old ‘Battleships’
The U.S. Navy is actively testing and planning to implement directed energy weapons, specifically lasers, for air defense on ships to counter missile and drone threats. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle emphasizes the need for these systems to enhance naval capabilities in future conflicts, particularly against adversaries like China. The HELIOS system is currently being tested aboard the USS Preble, with plans to integrate such technologies into the fleet.
69 drone attacks in two years — JNIM transforms asymmetric warfare in the Sahel
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has conducted 69 drone attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo since early 2023, utilizing modified commercial drones to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Wilayat Sahel have also engaged in similar operations across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. This marks a significant evolution in asymmetric warfare tactics in the Sahel region, with jihadist groups coordinating their efforts and sharing operational knowledge.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
Sorry, Stealth F-22 and F-35: The ‘Super’ Dassault Rafale Fighter Summed Up in 2 Words
The Dassault Rafale fighter jet, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is currently in service with nine countries including India and Egypt. It is equipped with advanced systems such as AESA radar and is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles. The aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to maintain its relevance in modern air combat scenarios.
The SR-71 Blackbird Was So Fast It Broke Records and Somehow Hit Mach 3.5
The SR-71 Blackbird was designed for strategic reconnaissance, capable of sustained flight above Mach 3 and altitudes over 80,000 feet. It was built to evade surface-to-air missiles by flying at high speeds and altitudes, covering vast areas for intelligence gathering. Debate continues regarding its maximum speed, with some pilots claiming it could exceed Mach 3.5 during missions.
