Analysis & Reports

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed that the operation of its military base in Djibouti remains normal and is not impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as of March 26.

UN Special Envoy Pekka Haavisto stated that dialogue and de-escalation are crucial for a ceasefire in Sudan during his visit on March 25, 2023. He met with Sudan's Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Khartoum to discuss the current situation and efforts for stability and peace. The UN continues to support humanitarian assistance and aims to create conditions for political progress.

An Iranian military source announced that Iran is prepared to open a new front in the Mandeb Strait if it faces ground or naval attacks. This statement comes amid tensions regarding potential U.S. actions in the region. The Houthi forces are also contemplating support for Iran against perceived threats from the U.S. and Israel.

The UK Armed Forces have deployed military platforms, systems, and equipment to the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment is part of the UK's ongoing military strategy in the region, enhancing their operational capabilities. Specific details about the types of equipment and systems involved were provided.

JNIM controls 60% of Burkina Faso as the AES struggles to counter terrorism. In January 2026, a coordinated attack targeted the Dori Hamani airport and base 101 in Niger, highlighting vulnerabilities in military infrastructure. The AES's joint force of 5,000 soldiers remains largely ineffective, while JNIM's operational sophistication increases, threatening regional stability.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

The 48th Naval Escort Fleet conducted anti-terrorism and anti-piracy exercises in the Gulf of Aden in late March. The exercises included rapid response to a suspected pirate boat, utilizing warships and helicopters to secure a merchant vessel. The fleet aims to improve coordination and emergency response capabilities during their escort missions.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed in September 2023 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is facing a significant disinformation campaign aimed at undermining its legitimacy. Since late 2025, various fake social media accounts have targeted AES leaders, spreading false information and deepfakes. This disinformation is compounded by the ongoing jihadist insurgency in the region, complicating the AES's efforts to establish a stable security architecture.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

The U.S. and Iran are engaged in intense mutual attacks, with Trump announcing a pause in strikes against Iran's power stations. Diplomatic dialogues are ongoing, but Iran's parliamentary speaker denied any negotiations with the U.S. Meanwhile, Iran has launched attacks against Israel, indicating escalating tensions in the region.

The U.S. Navy is conducting an air campaign against Iran from the Arabian Sea, primarily utilizing the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) due to the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) being sidelined by a fire. The campaign is the largest since 2003, with logistical challenges impacting carrier availability. A third carrier, USS George H.W. Bush, is anticipated to join the operation shortly.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strengthening alliances and military capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation with China. The strategy calls for allies to increase defense spending significantly and identifies China as the primary challenge. However, it notably omits specific commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. resolve in the region. The proposed defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting a substantial investment in military capabilities.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

In 2026, jihadist groups intensified operations across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to significant casualties and a deteriorating security situation. The Tillabéri region in Niger became the deadliest area, with over 50 civilian deaths from major attacks. The GSIM executed coordinated assaults in Burkina Faso, showcasing their operational capabilities. Counter-insurgency efforts by state forces have been marked by severe human rights violations.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Terrorist groups, including JNIM and ISSP, have escalated their operations in the Sahel, utilizing forests as strategic bases for attacks and illegal activities. In 2025, over 9,362 people were killed in security incidents across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The U.S. has deployed drones to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, while the region faces increasing violence and humanitarian crises due to armed groups blocking aid and targeting civilians.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

A fire broke out in the laundry facilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12, 2026, displacing 600 sailors who are now sleeping on floors. The fire, which lasted over 30 hours, was not combat-related and has led to speculation about possible sabotage by crew members. The aircraft carrier is currently docked in Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs after departing the northern Red Sea.

Jama'at al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso in February 2026, demonstrating significant operational capability. The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) targeted military infrastructure in Niger in January 2026. In response, ECOWAS announced plans to form a 2,000-soldier counter-terrorism force by the end of 2026. Concurrently, the U.S. deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and 200 troops to Nigeria, marking a strategic repositioning in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

A drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces targeted civilian areas in Ragaba, West Kordofan, on the 23rd, resulting in 17 civilian deaths and 25 injuries. The Rapid Support Forces accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of conducting the attack, which has not been officially responded to. This incident is part of an ongoing escalation of conflict in the region.

Iranian forces intercepted and destroyed two U.S. suicide drones preparing to attack Abbas Port on March 23. This action is part of Iran's ongoing defense operations, with a total of 129 drones reportedly destroyed to date.

The U.S. Department of Defense is implementing a new defense strategy for 2026 that emphasizes deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain, compelling allies to increase their defense spending. The strategy notably omits direct mention of Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. commitment to deterring Chinese aggression. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is funded at ten billion dollars to enhance military capabilities in the region, while allies are expected to shoulder greater defense responsibilities.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

Drone strikes in Sudan resulted in the deaths of 23 civilians in East Darfur on April 22 and 20 civilians in Dilling, South Kordofan, on April 21. The attacks targeted civilian vehicles and villages, with no group claiming responsibility. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread civilian casualties since April 2023.

In February 2026, CEDEAO military chiefs met in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to discuss forming a 2,000-man anti-terrorist force amid escalating jihadist threats in the Sahel. JNIM has consolidated control over significant territory in Burkina Faso, while ISSP has demonstrated operational sophistication with drone and mortar attacks. The report highlights the urgent need for effective regional cooperation to address the growing security crisis.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Middle East in February 2026 to enhance U.S. naval presence and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford after an extended deployment. This deployment is part of Operation Epic Fury and follows the completion of the Bush's Composite Training Unit Exercise. The presence of three carrier strike groups allows for increased operational capabilities and geographic coverage in the region, particularly in response to ongoing tensions with Iran.