Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The JNIM received 50 million in ransom — Gulf money behind the fall of Kidal
On April 25, 2026, the JNIM and FLA launched a coordinated offensive, capturing Kidal and five other locations in Mali. The operation was financed by a $50 million ransom paid by a Gulf state for a hostage, which enabled the jihadists to plan and execute simultaneous attacks. General Sadio Camara was killed in Kati during the assault, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 16 2026Loading...
A 5,000-Ton Royal Navy Nuclear Attack Submarine Hit a Charted Red Sea Pinnacle and Was Left Unable to Dive
HMS Superb struck a charted underwater pinnacle in the Red Sea on May 26, 2008, resulting in damage to her bow and sonar, rendering her unable to dive. All 112 personnel aboard were unharmed, and the submarine surfaced under her own power. An official inquiry revealed navigation errors and command oversight as contributing factors, leading to the submarine's decommissioning on September 26, 2008.
ISWAP Overwhelms Two Bases in Gwoza — 14 Nigerian Soldiers Killed, Ngoshe in the Hands of Boko Haram
ISWAP attacked and overran two Nigerian army bases in Gwoza on August 11, resulting in the deaths of 14 soldiers. The assault on Ngoshe and Pulka led to the capture of weapons and ammunition, with reports indicating that Ngoshe remains under Boko Haram control. This incident highlights ISWAP's renewed operational capabilities and the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 15 2026Loading...
The JNIM and the FLA free 82 Malian soldiers — Algeria as mediator cracks Bamako's narrative
The JNIM and FLA released 82 Malian soldiers on August 13, 2023, following negotiations mediated by Algeria. This release comes after some soldiers had been held since April 25, 2023, during coordinated attacks on multiple military sites. While the FLA claims the release was a humanitarian gesture, the Malian military describes it as part of a planned operation. Currently, 118 soldiers remain in captivity, indicating ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 15 2026Loading...
Eagle of Sino-Egyptian Civilization - 2026 Second Joint Training, J-10C System Expedition to Africa Becomes Routine
The Chinese Air Force and Egyptian Air Force will conduct joint training exercises named 'Civilization Eagle-2026' in Egypt from mid-August to early September 2026. The exercises will focus on air combat tactics and troop deployment, marking the second iteration of this collaboration. The Chinese will deploy J-10C fighters and other aircraft, highlighting Egypt's efforts to diversify its military partnerships beyond U.S. support.
Li MinghuiSat Aug 15 2026Loading...
Six Killed in Dual Houthi Missile Attack on Cargo Ship in Bab al-Mandab Threatening to Reignite Yemen War
Houthi forces launched a double missile attack on the Egyptian cargo ship 'Tehama' in Bab al-Mandab on August 12, resulting in six fatalities and ten injuries. The attack included a follow-up strike on rescue operations, killing at least two soldiers. This incident signifies a dangerous escalation in the ongoing Yemen conflict, with implications for maritime security in the region.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 14 2026Loading...Goïta spares the DGSE agent — 82 soldiers released, the Malian junta reaches out to Paris
On August 13, 2025, Assimi Goïta pardoned Yann Vézilier, a French intelligence agent, while the Malian army announced the release of 82 soldiers held by JNIM and FLA. This dual action indicates a shift in Mali's diplomatic stance, facilitated by Algerian mediation, amidst ongoing military challenges and strained relations with France. The release of the soldiers and the pardon of the agent highlight the complexities of Mali's political and military landscape.
Marie DuboisFri Aug 14 2026Loading...
China and Egypt to Hold "Civilization Eagle-2026" Joint Air Force Training
China and Egypt will conduct joint air force training named 'Civilization Eagle-2026' in Egypt from mid-August to early September 2026. The training will focus on air combat tactics, air superiority operations, and combat search and rescue. This exercise aims to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation between the two militaries.
The United States and Morocco Continue to Strengthen Military Cooperation
The U.S. and Morocco conducted a joint live-fire demonstration at the African Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) on August 11, 2023. This event marks a significant step in their military cooperation, focusing on the testing of a low-cost long-range cruise missile system. The AMTEC facility, located near Tantan, aims to enhance regional military collaboration and technological innovation.
"Falcon Strike 20 Expands to 052D Class: China's Hypersonic Anti-Ship Network Covers the First Island Chain"
The People's Liberation Army Navy launched the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile from a 052D destroyer for the first time on July 28, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities. This development allows approximately 35 052D destroyers to potentially carry hypersonic missiles, increasing the threat to U.S. naval forces in the Western Pacific. The YJ-20 is estimated to have a range of 1000-1500 km and speeds exceeding Mach 10, complicating U.S. operational responses.
Tanaka TakashiFri Aug 14 2026Loading...
Flight-tracking data shows continued Russian air bridge to sub-Saharan Africa
Russian military forces conducted at least 75 flights to sub-Saharan Africa between January 2025 and July 2026, primarily to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Flight Unit 224, a Russian Ministry of Defense-owned airline, was the busiest operator. The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations also conducted flights, raising concerns about military cargo transport under a humanitarian guise. The findings suggest a complex logistics network supporting military operations in the region.
Ghana and Burkina Faso Militarize the Tema Corridor — Escorted Convoys Against JNIM
Ghana and Burkina Faso signed a military cooperation agreement on August 12, 2026, to secure the Tema corridor against threats from JNIM. The agreement includes armed escorts for commercial trucks and coordinated patrols along the border. This move comes in response to previous attacks by JNIM on Ghanaian merchants, highlighting the increasing threat in the region.
Marie DuboisThu Aug 13 2026Loading...
The 49th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy Sets Sail for the Gulf of Aden
On August 12, the 49th Escort Fleet of the Chinese Navy departed from a military port in Sanya, Hainan, heading to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters to replace the 48th escort fleet. The fleet includes the missile destroyer Kunming, missile frigate Yueyang, and large supply ship Luomahu, along with two helicopters and special forces personnel. This marks the first escort mission for the Kunming destroyer.
Saudi Arabia’s Only Way Around the Strait of Hormuz Runs Straight Through the One the Houthis Have Just Closed
Houthi rebels attacked the Tanzania-flagged Tihamah in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on August 11, 2024, killing six people, including four crew members. This incident marks the first fatalities from Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in over a year and coincides with the Houthis enforcing a blockade against Saudi-linked vessels. The blockade threatens Saudi Arabia's oil transport routes as tensions in the region escalate.
Iran Bought a Fleet of ‘Black Hole’ Stealth Kilo-Class Submarines from Russia: The US Military Worried They Could Lock Up the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Kilo-class submarines were actively involved in naval operations and faced U.S. strikes during Operation Epic Fury. As of August 2026, one submarine has been confirmed sunk, while the remaining two are in dry dock and unlikely to return to service. U.S. forces have effectively neutralized the threat posed by these submarines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Never Hit a U.S. Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier. It Still Moved Them Hundreds of Miles Away from Their Missiles and Drones
U.S. Navy aircraft carriers conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones during Operation Epic Fury. The carriers faced challenges that forced them to operate from greater distances, impacting their operational effectiveness and increasing reliance on logistical support. Despite these challenges, the carriers demonstrated their relevance in modern conflict.
The JNIM Encircles Djibo — Five Military Posts Fall on the Day of Burkina Faso's Independence
On August 5, 2023, JNIM encircled Djibo and captured five military posts, coinciding with Burkina Faso's independence day. The attacks resulted in at least 40 soldiers killed and significant weaponry seized, indicating a shift in JNIM's operational strategy. The group has conducted coordinated assaults across multiple regions, tightening its grip on territory and undermining state control.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 12 2026Loading...
Iran Has a Fleet of Mini ‘Midget’ Submarines Thanks to North Korea and the US Military Isn’t Sure Where They Are Right Now
Iran continues to operate a fleet of approximately 20 Ghadir-class midget submarines, with some unaccounted for, posing a potential threat to commercial and U.S. Navy shipping. The U.S. Navy recently confirmed the destruction of at least one Ghadir-class submarine during a strike on Bandar Abbas Naval Base in July 2026. The Iranian Navy's capabilities include Kilo-class submarines and Ghadir-class submarines, which are based on North Korean designs.
Armed Group Attack in South Sudan Leaves Over 60 Civilians Dead
On August 9, an armed group attacked in Tongji North County, Warrap State, South Sudan, resulting in over 60 civilian deaths and more than 50 injuries. The attack caused widespread displacement and destruction of property. The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned the incident and deployed peacekeeping patrols to the affected area, warning of potential further retaliatory attacks.
The UN places ISWAP at the top of jihad — the Sahelian convergence tightens around Nigeria
ISWAP is actively conducting military operations in Nigeria, with an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 fighters involved. The group is recruiting from local militias like Lakurawa and coordinating with other jihadist factions. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in ISWAP's activities, surpassing historical ISIS affiliates in Iraq and Syria. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist pressure from groups like EIGS, affecting regional stability.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 12 2026Loading...
