Analysis & Reports

Algeria is re-establishing diplomatic ties with Mali and Niger to enhance logistical and security cooperation. Meetings in Algiers involved leaders from both countries, focusing on operational needs in the Sahel. Algeria's role is deemed essential for stabilizing the northern region, as the AES seeks to strengthen its partnerships and address security challenges.

Marie DuboisFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

On August 24, 2026, a presidential decree in Guinea removed 173 military personnel from service for alleged desertion, impacting the gendarmerie and special forces. This action is perceived as a political purge aimed at consolidating power and addressing internal military tensions. The decree follows a period of political instability and reflects the leadership's need to assert control over the armed forces.

Marie DuboisThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. proposed to expand the arms embargo on Sudan to include drones and their components during a Security Council meeting on August 25, 2026. This move aims to address the rising civilian casualties attributed to drone strikes, which have reportedly killed over 1,120 civilians in the first half of 2026. Russia and China have opposed this proposal, emphasizing the need to respect Sudan's sovereignty and avoid exacerbating the conflict.

Marie DuboisWed Aug 26 2026Loading...

Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga visited Algiers on August 24, 2026, to discuss military cooperation and border security with Algerian officials. This visit follows the release of 82 Malian soldiers, facilitated by Algeria, highlighting the importance of the Algeria-Mali border for military logistics. The ongoing conflict in northern Mali necessitates collaboration between the two nations to address security challenges.

Marie DuboisMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

On August 21, 2026, armed men kidnapped worshippers during Friday prayers in Kpenya, Niger State, Nigeria, with local reports suggesting over 80 individuals were taken. This incident highlights a concerning trend of mass kidnappings and the consolidation of operational space for armed groups in the Borgu-Kainji corridor, indicating a significant loss of state control in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is closely monitoring the capabilities of China's J-20 stealth fighter in the Indo-Pacific following recent engagements. U.S. General Kenneth Wilsbach indicated that while the J-20 poses some challenges, it is not a major concern. Chinese pilots are noted to lack real combat experience, which affects their operational readiness. Additionally, China's aircraft carriers are still developing their capabilities and operational experience compared to the U.S. Navy.

France's arms exports exceeded 20 billion euros for the second consecutive year, driven by significant orders including 26 Rafale fighter jets for India and 2 submarines for Indonesia. The report indicates a global arms buildup following the Ukraine conflict, with missile orders projected to increase by 15% from 2024 to 2025. The French Ministry of Defense noted that the Rafale fighter jet remains a key driver of these exports.

Two ex-Wagner personnel were released on August 20, 2026, after two years of captivity, mediated by Saddam Haftar. The release followed a significant battle in Tinzaouatine, where 84 Wagner personnel and 47 Malian soldiers were reported killed. The negotiations took place in Libya, indicating a shift in the conflict dynamics, as the Russian military struggled to secure their release through direct means.

Marie DuboisFri Aug 21 2026Loading...

French troops are returning to Chad, with approximately 600 soldiers already in N'Djamena as of 2026. This marks a significant shift in military cooperation after a period of withdrawal that began in 2024. The return is driven by Chad's need for intelligence and surveillance capabilities amid regional security threats.

Marie DuboisThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Military experts warn that the U.S. is unprepared for a simultaneous conflict with Russia in Eastern Europe and China over Taiwan. The U.S. military faces significant challenges in maintaining adequate weapon stockpiles while supporting ongoing operations in Ukraine and Iran. NATO allies have shown little interest in addressing this critical military scenario, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Western defense strategies against coordinated aggression from both nations.

China's navy is expanding its fleet to nine aircraft carriers by 2035, while the U.S. Navy has no carriers currently deployed in the Western Pacific due to commitments in the Middle East. The USS George Washington is en route to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for an extended period. The U.S. faces challenges in maintaining carrier presence in the region, impacting its strategic posture against China.

Algeria signed a contract for three new Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling tankers, with an option for three additional units. The aircraft, built on the Il-76MD-90A airframe, can refuel multiple aircraft and is part of a broader modernization package that includes Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57 aircraft. The rollout of the tanker has been confirmed through various sources, despite some claims regarding its export to China being disputed.

Russia announced plans to sign a memorandum of cooperation with ECOWAS on August 17, focusing on security measures. This marks the first formal military cooperation between Russia and ECOWAS, as Lavrov mediates between Abuja and the Sahel States Alliance. The memorandum aims to enhance security collaboration among West African states, particularly in light of rising jihadist threats.

Marie DuboisTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted missions over the Central Command area on March 2, 2025, while the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group patrolled the Strait of Hormuz on December 14, 2023. President Trump is considering military options against Iran, including sanctions and a potential invasion, but faces public opposition and challenges in effectively implementing sanctions due to support from China and Russia. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is likely to shield itself from the impact of sanctions.

Russia has trained 22,000 journalists and media students globally since 2018, focusing on AI content production. This training is part of a strategic effort to influence media narratives in various countries, including conflict zones. The Kremlin's initiatives are seen as a long-term investment in shaping global media perspectives aligned with Russian interests.

Alexandra ReevesTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

Thirteen Democratic senators demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 250 days without adequate port calls. Reports from sailors' families highlighted severe issues, including food shortages and mental health crises. The senators requested information on the timeline for the Lincoln's relief and the resources available to the crew.

The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness sensor aboard Japan’s QZS-7 satellite on August 10, 2023, from Tanegashima Space Center. This launch enhances space surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and is part of a bilateral effort with Japan. The sensor will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving the understanding of activities in geosynchronous orbit.

On August 13, 2026, 82 Malian soldiers were released by the JNIM and FLA in Bamako after being held since April 25, 2026. The release was facilitated by Algerian mediation, marking a significant shift in relations between Bamako and Algiers. The FLA indicated that approximately 118 other soldiers remain in captivity, highlighting ongoing tensions and the complex nature of negotiations in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

The CSIS report highlights the vulnerabilities of the Chinese Navy's anti-submarine capabilities, identifying U.S. nuclear submarines as a major threat in the Western Pacific. It emphasizes that the narrow waterways of the first island chain increase the risks for Chinese naval operations. The report suggests that the U.S. should focus on making Chinese aircraft carriers a costly burden rather than just defending against missile threats. It also notes that China's underwater warfare capabilities are still developing and require time to improve.

Li MinghuiMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

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...