Analysis & Reports

The Shandong Carrier Group conducted its first large-scale naval exercises in the Western Pacific from April to May 2023, participating in readiness patrols around Taiwan and joint drills. This marked a significant evolution in China's naval capabilities, transitioning from single carrier operations to coordinated dual carrier operations with the Liaoning Carrier Group. Future joint exercises are planned for October 2024, further enhancing operational readiness.

In 2005, the Swedish submarine HMS Gotland successfully remained undetected during U.S. Navy drills in San Diego, demonstrating the effectiveness of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This incident highlights the operational advantages of non-nuclear submarines in naval engagements, particularly in shallow waters. The U.S. Navy continues to rely on its nuclear-powered submarines, which are costly and impractical for smaller regional navies.

The 48th Naval Escort Task Force conducted realistic training exercises in the Gulf of Aden, focusing on naval combat readiness and emergency response. The task force engaged in drills, including responding to simulated enemy threats and conducting artillery fire. Concurrently, the 77th Group Army's reconnaissance unit executed night operations, enhancing their skills in challenging terrain and conditions. Both units demonstrated improved operational capabilities through integrated training.

General George Patton commanded 35,000–39,000 U.S. troops during Operation Torch, leading the first amphibious landing in Europe at Casablanca, Morocco in November 1942. His leadership significantly altered the course of the North Africa campaign, enabling U.S. forces to overcome Vichy French resistance and push back German troops. Patton's aggressive tactics and rapid advances were pivotal in securing victories in the region.

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) conducted large-scale coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso and Mali between May and July 2025. In February 2026, JNIM launched further coordinated assaults in eastern and northern Burkina Faso. The Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP) maintains control over the Catupa forest in Northwest Nigeria despite Rwandan air operations. Increased collaboration among jihadist groups is noted, with directives from ISIS's central command to support operations in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisTue Apr 07 2026Loading...

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy conducted comprehensive combat training exercises in the Gulf of Aden, involving helicopter operations and artillery fire against simulated threats. The exercises included low-altitude reconnaissance and night landing operations, enhancing the task force's combat readiness and operational capabilities.

Russia is mobilizing over 400,000 additional troops for a Spring-Summer 2026 offensive, while Ukraine's counteroffensive has disrupted these plans. Ukrainian forces regained significant territory in February 2026, forcing Russia to shift to defensive operations. Concurrently, Russia's aerial campaign has intensified, utilizing advanced drone technology to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Belarus is also enhancing its military presence near the Ukrainian border.

Dmitri VolkovSat Apr 04 2026Loading...

ECOWAS activated a counter-terrorism brigade of 1,650 soldiers in February 2026 to address the escalating security crisis in the Sahel. ISIS conducted a significant attack on the international airbase in Niamey on January 28-29, 2026, claiming multiple soldier casualties. In Mali, GSIM has implemented a blockade of fuel supplies to Bamako since September 2025, further complicating the security situation. Additionally, around 2,000 Russian fighters are deployed in the region, while jihadist groups are increasingly utilizing drones in their operations.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

On January 29, 2026, the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) launched a coordinated attack on Niamey airport, utilizing armed drones and light weapons. In Burkina Faso, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) executed over 500 attacks in 2025, with a deadly assault in Titao resulting in 80 military casualties. ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2,000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to address the escalating jihadist threat across the region.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

Since March 5, 2026, the Unified Military Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been deployed to combat jihadist insurgency in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with approximately 2,000 Russian fighters involved. The situation remains critical as groups like JNIM and ISSP continue to launch coordinated attacks, challenging government forces. The CEDEAO is also preparing to mobilize 2,000 soldiers to secure borders against jihadist threats.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has significantly expanded its operations in Burkina Faso and surrounding regions, conducting coordinated attacks and establishing a presence in Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria from 2024 to 2026. The Malian Armed Forces have engaged in operations against JNIM, while the Russian Wagner Group's military efforts have proven ineffective, leading to increased violence and instability in the region. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising 6,000 soldiers, was established in December 2025 in Niamey, Niger, to combat escalating violence in the Sahel. The force aims to operate across borders without restrictions, unlike the previous G5 Sahel force. JNIM and ISSP have intensified their attacks, including a significant assault on Niamey's airport, highlighting the urgent need for effective military coordination in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising 6,000 soldiers, was established in December 2025 in Niamey, Niger, to combat escalating violence in the Sahel. The region has seen a dramatic increase in security incidents, with over 9,000 deaths reported in 2025. JNIM and ISSP have intensified their operations, including a notable attack on Niamey's airport. The AES aims for operational autonomy and has diversified its military partnerships, moving away from reliance on France.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

In February 2026, ECOWAS approved the formation of a new counter-terrorism force comprising 1,650 troops from six West African nations. Concurrently, U.S. troops were deployed in Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The report emphasizes the challenges faced by ECOWAS in mobilizing resources and the implications of U.S. involvement in the region's security landscape.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

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.

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.

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...

French forces completed their withdrawal from Mali between 2022 and 2025, leaving a security vacuum exploited by jihadist groups like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Mouslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The security situation has worsened, with increased attacks on national forces and over 2.5 million internally displaced persons. The dissolution of the UN mission in Mali in December 2023 further complicates stabilization efforts.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. deployed 200 troops and several MQ-9 Reaper drones to Northeast Nigeria in January 2026 to combat jihadist threats from ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates. This deployment marks a strategic shift in U.S. military presence in West Africa, focusing on intelligence support and training for Nigerian forces. The operation is part of a broader partnership with Nigeria amid escalating violence in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The Nanchang Ship, part of the Liaoning Carrier Strike Group, responded to a provocation from two foreign ships attempting to cross its formation in the Western Pacific at 6 AM. The Nanchang Ship executed tactical maneuvers to block the incursion, leading the foreign vessels to retreat after realizing they could not proceed.