Analysis & Reports

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...

On August 21, 2023, the Chinese Air Force deployed multiple aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets and Y-20A tanker aircraft, to Egypt for the 'Civilization Eagle-2026' joint training exercise with the Egyptian Air Force. The deployment covered over 6000 kilometers, involving complex logistics and aerial refueling operations. Upon arrival, personnel organized equipment and prepared for training activities.

JNIM captured the military barracks in Tawori on August 15, 2023, resulting in dozens of soldiers and VDP killed. Following this, large-scale attacks occurred on August 19, with significant casualties reported. The eastern region of Burkina Faso is emerging as a primary conflict zone, with JNIM expanding its operations towards Benin and other neighboring countries.

Marie DuboisThu Aug 20 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.

JNIM and FLA besieged Anéfis from August 15 to 17, 2023, employing artillery and kamikaze drones. Reinforcements from Gao were ambushed, leading to the destruction of 5-8 vehicles. The Malian army attempted airstrikes on strategic targets, but logistical challenges hindered their operations. The conflict has evolved into a battle for control over supply routes in northern Mali.

S.WWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

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.

On August 17, JNIM fighters clashed with ISIS in the Seno province of Burkina Faso, resulting in the death of commander Abou Zeid Al-Burkinabi and several of his men. This incident marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two jihadist groups, which has escalated since 2019. The area is strategically important, and the death of Al-Burkinabi may impact local recruitment efforts for ISIS.

Marie DuboisWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

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.

Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles at a Saudi Navy landing ship off Mocha on August 17, resulting in a fire on the ship and the sinking of several accompanying boats. This attack signifies a notable escalation in Houthi military operations against Saudi naval assets. The Saudi response has been silent, raising concerns about their ability to protect their maritime interests in the Red Sea.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

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...

FAMa conducted airstrikes on JNIM-FLA coalition sanctuaries in Kidal on August 16, following previous strikes on August 15 in Sandaré. The operations targeted enemy concentrations in Tinzawatène and Talhandak, aiming to disrupt JNIM's logistical routes. The campaign, named Dougoukoloko, represents a significant escalation in military activity in the region.

Marie DuboisTue 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.

Houthi forces attacked a Saudi naval landing ship and four accompanying military boats near Mocha in the Red Sea on August 17, using multiple ballistic missiles. The landing ship caught fire and several military boats were reported sunk. As of now, there has been no response from Saudi authorities.

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...

USS Gerald R. Ford completed its longest operational deployment on May 16, 2026, covering 57,713 nautical miles and supporting 12,200 aircraft launches. The carrier faced internal challenges, including a fire that injured three sailors. It is currently undergoing maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, with no deployments expected for at least a year. Meanwhile, USS Abraham Lincoln is set to be relieved after over 260 days in the Middle East.

Sudan's army shot down at least six Chinese-made CH-95 drones operated by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces since late June 2023. The Turkish-built Bayraktar Akıncı drones were used in these interceptions, with the latest incident occurring on August 17. The RSF has been involved in ongoing conflicts since April 2023, with evidence of Emirati support in the supply chain for these drones.