Liam Karr

Africa File, May 1, 2025: AU, Turkey, and United States Surge to Halt al Shabaab; DRC Peace Talks; Uganda’s Role in the Eastern DRC

Somalia’s international partners are increasing their efforts to counter al Shabaab in response to the group’s significant gains in 2025....

Africa File Special Edition: Uganda in the DRC’s M23 Conflict—Friend to All, Enemy to None

Uganda is working with actors on multiple sides of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to hedge and streng...

Congo War Security Review Special Edition: Slow and Steady—What to Make of DRC-M23 Peace Talks

A détente between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda will likely limit the scale of violence in the eastern DRC, but p...

Africa File, April 24, 2025: JNIM’s Growing Pressure on Benin; Turkey to Somalia; Salafi-Jihadi Cells Continue to Grow Across Nigeria

Benin. Al Qaeda’s affiliate in the Sahel carried out its deadliest-ever attack in Benin as it continues to increase the lethality of its ...

Africa File, April 17, 2025: RSF War Crimes and Possible Genocide; al Shabaab Retaking Central Somalia; M23 Challenges; Algeria-Mali Spat

Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has committed numerous war crimes as the group has intensified its efforts to consolidate control o...

Congo War Security Review, April 14, 2025

M23 repelled a pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militia offensive to recapture Goma from M23. M23 accused Southern African Development ...

Congo War Security Review, April 10, 2025

DRC and M23 engage in another session of Qatari-mediated negotiations. Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias recaptured up to a doz...

Africa File, April 10, 2025: The RSF’s Northern Sudan Campaign

A Trump-Congo minerals deal may not be worth the risk

Congo War Security Review, April 7, 2025

Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 completed an initial round of Qatari-mediated peace talks ahead o...

Africa File, April 3, 2025: Russia-Sahel Summit; Sahelian Juntas Target Chinese Mining; M23 Loses Walikale but Uganda Leaves Vacuum

Russia. The Kremlin is strengthening its strategic relationships with Sahelian juntas to entrench Russian influence in the region and sec...

Congo War Security Review, April 1, 2025

The DRC and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels will engage in Qatar-mediated peace talks next week. Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias at...

Congo War Security Review, March 31, 2025

Representatives from the DRC, Rwanda, and Rwandan-backed M23 participated in Qatari-mediated peace talks in Doha, Qatar’s capital, but it...

Congo War Security Review, March 28, 2025

French media reported that Qatar has been hosting peace talks involving M23 rebels in Doha since March 27. M23 announced new efforts to f...

Congo War Security Review, March 27, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo militia fighters continued their counteroffensive against M23 in Walikale town and the su...

Africa File, March 27, 2025: SAF Liberates Khartoum; Burundi and Rwanda Tensions

Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) fully retook central Khartoum and are clearing the last pockets of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resi...

Congo War Security Review, March 26, 2025

M23 reinforced its position in Walikale town in western North Kivu and continued to clash with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militia...

Congo War Security Review, March 25, 2025

Member states from the East African Community (EAC) and South African Development Community (SADC) held a virtual joint summit to discuss...

Congo War Security Review, March 24, 2025

M23 announced that it would withdraw from Walikale town in western North Kivu, but M23 has yet to vacate the district capital and has acc...

Congo War Security Review, March 21, 2025

M23 will reportedly participate in Qatari-mediated discussions in the coming days. Pro-Congolese government militias launched a counterat...

Congo War Security Review, March 20, 2025

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi touted the viability of a potential US-DRC minerals-for-security deal during an interview with Fox News. T...

Africa File, March 20, 2025: Qatari-Mediated Ceasefire in DRC; SAF Closes in on Khartoum; RSF Attacks Spread to South Sudan; Al Shabaab Ramadan Offensive; Tigray Simmers as Amhara Escalates; Russia’s Red Sea Efforts; Burkinabe Massacres

Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda agreed to a Qatari-mediated ceasefire, but fundam...

Congo War Security Review, March 19, 2025

Congo War Security Review, March 18, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied militias halted M23’s advance towards the Walikale district capital in western North Kivu. Burundia...

Congo War Security Review, March 14, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied militias blocked M23’s advance toward the district capital of Walikale territory and attacked M23’s...

Congo War Security Review, March 13, 2025

Africa File Special Edition: Tigray Threatens to Spark the Next Eritrean-Ethiopian War and Plunge the Horn of Africa into Crisis

A violent power struggle in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region risks sparking another civil war in Ethiopia, which could, in turn, expand ...

Africa File, March 13, 2025: Looming Civil Wars in Ethiopia, South Sudan Threaten to Plunge Horn into Crisis; Renewed Peace Talks in DRC as M23 Advances

Congo War Security Review, March 12, 2025

M23 continued its advance southward in central South Kivu in a possible attempt to bypass Congolese army (FARDC) and Burundian army posit...

Congo War Security Review, March 11, 2025

M23 advanced south of the South Kivu provincial capital of Bukavu to a key area that links to several other fronts in South Kivu. M23 con...

Congo War Security Review, March 10, 2025

M23 made significant advances toward Walikale district in western North Kivu after capturing a key gateway town along the main road in th...

Congo War Security Review, March 7, 2025

Top officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) rejected the East African Community’s (EAC) and South African Development C...

Congo War Security Review, March 6, 2025

M23 advanced toward the Lubero district capital in northern North Kivu on the western flank of Congolese army positions, but Ugandan forc...

Africa File, March 6, 2025: Burundi and Rwanda Truce in Eastern DRC Despite M23 Advance; SAF Targets RSF Supply Lines in Darfur; Sahelian Jihadists Tap Trans-Saharan Networks

Congo War Security Review, March 5, 2025

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi dispatched figures within his inner circle and mining industry officials to the United States and the Unit...

Congo War Security Review, March 4, 2025

M23 captured a village in the Lubero district to the west of the district capital, Lubero town, in another potential flanking effort. M23...

Congo War Security Review, March 3, 2025

Pro-Congolese government militias launched counterattacks against M23-aligned rebels that likely involved ethnically-motivated retaliator...

Congo War Security Review, February 28, 2025

Key Takeaway: The East African Community (EAC) and South African Development Community’s (SADC) indefinitely postponed a joint summit of ...

Congo War Security Review, February 27, 2025

M23 continued probing the Congolese army’s (FARDC) eastern flank in the Lubero district in northern North Kivu. M23 accused the Congolese...

Africa File, February 27, 2025: SAF Advances West Toward Darfur; M23 and DRC Reset as International Pressure Grows on Rwanda; ISSP Poses Clear Transnational Threat; al Shabaab Central Somalia Offensive

Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are advancing in south-central Sudan and setting conditions for an offensive into Rapid Support Fo...

Congo War Security Review, February 26, 2025

Burundian troops and pro-Congolese government militia are moving north from the DRC-Burundi border with pro-Congolese government militia ...

Congo War Security Review, February 25, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) is attempting to recapture a town and its nearby airstrip in South Kivu from the M23-aligned Twirwaneho rebels...

Congo War Security Review, February 25, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) is attempting to recapture a town and its nearby airstrip in South Kivu from the M23-aligned Twirwaneho rebels...

Congo War Security Review, February 24, 2025

The Congolese army (FARDC) blocked M23 attempts to flank FARDC positions in Lubero town, a district capital in northern North Kivu. M23-a...

Congo War Security Review, February 21, 2025

M23 captured two villages east of the RN2 in Lubero district in northern North Kivu Province in an attempt to flank Congolese army (FARDC...

Congo War Security Review, February 20, 2025

FARDC launched limited counterattacks south of the district capital, Lubero, in northern North Kivu province, but M23 is attempting to fl...

Africa File, February 20, 2025: M23 Advance Continues Unchallenged; SAF Grows Partnerships with Iran and Russia; RSF Creates Parallel Government in Sudan

Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwandan-backed M23 captured the South Kivu provincial capital, Bukavu, and continued to advance on seve...

Africa File, February 13, 2025: SAF Announces Government Plan and Russian Naval Base; DRC Concedes to Direct Talks with M23; Turkey’s Growing Defense Partnerships in Africa

• Sudan. The leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) outlined plans for a new government that likely aims to legitimize the SAF as the ...

Africa File, February 6, 2025: M23 Unilateral Ceasefire; SAF Closes in on Khartoum; US Airstrikes in Northern Somalia; al Shabaab Reinfiltrates Central Somalia; IS Sahel Kidnapping Campaign; US-Algeria Relationship Grows

Sudan. The SAF is poised to secure a major victory by recapturing Khartoum and pushing the RSF west of the Nile. Securing these objective...

Africa File Special Edition: M23 March Threatens Expanded Conflict in DR Congo and Regional War in the Great Lakes

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, which marks the most significant escalation in the conflic...

Africa File, January 30, 2025: Rwandan-Backed M23 Captures Goma; SAF Breakthroughs in Khartoum; IS Sahel Linked to Angola Plot Targeting Biden Visit; IS Calls for Jihad in Sudan; Somalia Agrees with Egypt in AUSSOM

Africa File, January 24, 2025

Africa File, January 24, 2025: Russia Continues Pivot to Libya and Mali; SAF Advances in Khartoum; M23 Marches On Goma; IS Somalia Down but Not Out; AES Joint Force

Africa File, January 9, 2025: Islamic State Suicide Attack in Somalia; AUSSOM Dysfunction; M23 Captures District Capital in Eastern DRC

The Islamic State’s Global Long Game and Resurgence in Syria Poses an Evolved Threat to the West

Africa File, December 19, 2024: Russia Reinforces Libya amid Syria Withdrawal; DRC-Rwanda Talks Collapse; Ethiopia’s Counter-Fano Campaign; ISSP Strangles Roadways in Niger; Ankara Declaration

Russia. Russia is reinforcing its positions in Libya and sub-Saharan Africa as it continues to consolidate in and withdraw some of its fo...

Africa File, December 12, 2024: Kremlin Pivot to Libya or Sudan Post-Syria; Turkey Mediates Ethiopia-Somalia Deal

Russia. Russia has maintained the security of its Syrian bases in the short term but expressed long-term uncertainty about the future of ...

Africa File, December 5, 2024: French Influence in Africa Erodes Further; Syria’s Impact on Russia in Africa and the Mediterranean; Somalia Political Dispute Turns Hot; DRC-Rwanda Peace Plans Move Ahead; Tuareg Setback

Africa File Special Edition: Syria’s Potential Impact on Russia’s Africa and Mediterranean Ambitions

Russia may redeploy Africa Corps units to Syria to reinforce the Assad regime in Syria to prevent Assad’s defeat, which would harm the Kr...

Africa File, November 21, 2024: Russian Mining in the Sahel; Sudan Ceasefire Still Unlikely; AU Mission in Somalia Uncertainty; IS Postelection Offensive in Mozambique

Salafi-Jihadi Areas of Operation in the Sahel

The latest update reflects extensive changes based on the strengthening of the regional al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates—Jama’at Nus...

Africa File, November 14, 2024: Russia-Africa Ministerial Summit; AQ and IS Infiltrate Northwestern Nigeria; Jubbaland Goes Rogue

Russia. Russia used the first Russia-Africa Ministerial Summit to continue pushing narratives and securing deals that advance its strateg...

Africa File, October 31, 2024: Africa and BRICS; Sudan Fighting Fuels Humanitarian Disaster

BRICS. African engagement in the 2024 BRICS+ summit highlights that many African countries are primarily interested in the bloc’s economi...

Africa File, October 24, 2024: JNIM Strikes Northern Niger; DRC Peace Talks and M23 Offensive; Egypt-Djibouti Cooperation; Ethiopia-Somalia AUSSOM Tug-of-War; Central Somalia Offensive

Africa File, October 24, 2024: JNIM Strikes Northern Niger; DRC Peace Talks and M23 Offensive; Egypt-Djibouti Cooperation; Ethiopia-Somal...

Africa File, October 17, 2024: Egypt-Eritrea-Somalia Summit; Challenges with Tigray Peace Process

Africa File, October 10, 2024: DRC Attacks FDLR; Fano Counteroffensive; AUSSOM Issues; Mali’s Northern Challenges; Togo Border Pressure

Africa File, October 3, 2024: Khartoum Offensive; Internal Somali Rivalries; Benin Coup Attempt; Russia’s Projects in the Sahel

Sudan. The SAF launched an offensive to relieve several besieged units in Khartoum. Iranian or Turkish drones likely helped set condition...

Africa File, September 26, 2024: Fano Offensive in Ethiopia’s Amhara; Egypt Arms Somalia; Rebel Drones in Mali; Burkina Thwarts Another Coup

Ethiopia. Amhara ethno-nationalist militias known as Fano have waged an offensive in northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region since July that ha...

Africa File Special Edition: External Meddling for the Red Sea Exacerbates Conflicts in the Horn of Africa

Russia and several countries in the Middle East, including Iran, are taking advantage of conflicts that have emerged in Sudan and Somalia...

Africa File, September 19, 2024: JNIM Strikes Bamako; Hungary Enters the Sahel; Ethiopia-Somalia Proxy Risks

Africa File, September 12, 2024: China-Africa Forum (FOCAC) Takeaways; Mali and Russia Prepare to Avenge Defeat in Northern Mali

China. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) announced the highest total investment through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ...

Africa File, September 5, 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia Conflict Looms; IS Gains in Niger; Russia Aids Burkina Faso’s Nuclear Energy Push

Horn of Africa. Egypt is growing military cooperation with Somalia and deployed troops to Somalia, which is increasing tensions with Ethi...

Africa File, August 29, 2024: North African Competition in the Sahel; Libya on the Edge; Burkina Faso is Spiraling

North Africa–Sahel. Algeria and Morocco are vying for economic and political influence in the Sahel to assert themselves as regional lead...

Africa File, August 22, 2024: “AUSSOM” New AU Mission in Somalia; Burkina Faso Reaches Boiling Point

Somalia. The African Union (AU) and UN are advancing plans for an AU-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia after the current AU mission exp...

Africa File, August 8, 2024: Mali-Ukraine Dispute; Turkey Prepares to Ship Out to Somalia

Ukraine. Mali and Niger cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine and other West African countries have criticized Ukraine after some Ukrainian of...

Africa File, August 2, 2024: Russian Blunder in Mali; IS and JNIM Wreak Havoc in Niger; JNIM’s Border Havens Threaten Togo

Northern Mali. Tuareg insurgents with likely ties to the Tuareg separatist rebel coalition and al Qaeda’s Sahelian affiliate repelled a M...

Africa File Special Edition: Russia’s Deadly Blunder in Mali

Tuareg insurgents with likely ties to the Tuareg separatist rebel coalition and al Qaeda’s Sahelian affiliate repelled a Malian-Russian o...

Africa File, July 25, 2024: Turkish Inroads in Niger; al Shabaab’s Continued SVBIED Threat

Africa File Special Edition: One Year After Niger's Coup

Nigerien Diplomatic and Military Activity. Niger’s junta has significantly altered its international and regional partnerships away from ...

Africa File, July 18, 2024: Sudan Spillover Threatens Ethiopia

Key Takeaway: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al Burhan in Sudan in early Ju...

Africa File, July 11, 2024: Sahelian Juntas vs. ECOWAS; US Base in Côte d’Ivoire

West Africa. The central Sahelian juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger established a confederation that deepens their break with West ...

Africa File, June 20, 2024: Africa Crucial to IS Global Network; Burkinabe Junta Faces Coup Risk

IS in Africa. The reported presence of multiple high-level leaders in Somalia and across Africa reflects Africa’s increasingly focal role...

Africa File, June 13, 2024: Houthi-Shabaab Weapons Deal; SFG Boost in Central Somalia

Gulf of Aden. US intelligence claimed that the Houthis and al Shabaab have discussed a deal for the Houthis to provide weapons to al Shab...

Africa File, June 7, 2024: Russian Diplomatic Blitz; Somalia Boots Ethiopia

Russia. High-level Russian officials are meeting with Russian partners across Africa, seeking to advance the Kremlin’s strategic goals of...

Africa File Special Edition: Russian Diplomatic Blitz Advances the Kremlin’s Strategic Aims in Africa

High-level Russian officials are meeting with Russian partners across Africa, seeking to advance the Kremlin’s strategic goals of project...

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 03, 2024

Africa File, May 31, 2024: Russian Red Sea Logistics Center in Sudan; JNIM Strengthens Along the Burkinabe-Nigerien Border

Sudan. Russia is planning to build a logistical support center for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on the Red Sea, which it likely intend...

Africa File, May 16, 2024: Russian Outreach Across Africa; Iran’s Uranium Aims; IS Mozambique Continues March

Libya. Russia has reinforced its military presence in Libya as it consolidates its positions across Africa. Russia may have deployed the ...

Africa File, May 9, 2024: America and Russia’s Shifting Roles in West Africa; IS Africa Media; Russia’s Morphing Stance in Sudan

West Africa.  The United States is strengthening counterterrorism and defense cooperation with littoral West African countries as it plan...

Africa File, May 2, 2024: Iran Pursues Economic and Military Influence; Burkinabe Abuses; Mali Kills Wanted IS Commander; Insurgents Strengthen in East Africa

Iran in Africa. Iran is using military exports as a vehicle to pursue objectives in Africa such as acquiring uranium in Niger and a perma...

Iran Update, April 26, 2024

Africa File, April 25, 2024: IS Somalia Expansion Benefits IS Global Network; Togo Constitutional Changes

The Islamic State claimed that its Somali affiliate has expanded control over mountainous areas of northern Somalia at the expense of al ...

Africa File, April 18, 2024: Chad Is the Kremlin’s Next Target in the Sahel; al Qaeda’s Sahelian Affiliate Weaponizes Drones

The Chadian junta may begin aligning with the Russian-backed Sahelian juntas and Russia itself, which would boost Russia’s long-standing ...

Africa File, April 11, 2024: Kremlin’s Africa Corps Nears Niger; Ethiopia-Somalia Rift Widens; al Qaeda Affiliates Strengthen in the Sahel and Horn

Africa File, April 4, 2024: Mali and Russia Explore Mali’s Mineral Wealth; Niger Plays the Field; the Kremlin’s Red Sea Ambitions in Eritrea

Mali. The Malian junta is increasing cooperation with Russia to boost its gold, oil, gas, lithium, and uranium production to bolster its ...

Africa File, March 28, 2024: Islamic State Resurgent in Mozambique; al Shabaab’s Ramadan Offensive

The Islamic State affiliate in Mozambique is massing forces, controlling territory, and operating across northern Mozambique at levels un...

Africa File, March 22, 2024: Niger Cuts the US; JNIM Encroaches on Guinea; al Shabaab Hotel Attack

Niger’s junta annulled defense cooperation agreements with the United States, underscoring its prioritization of growing partnerships wit...

Africa File Special Edition: Niger Cuts the United States for Russia and Iran

Niger’s junta annulled defense cooperation agreements with the United States, underscoring its prioritization of growing partnerships wit...

Africa File, March 14, 2024: Foreign Fighters and Jihadi Rivalry in the Sahel; Somalia Backslides

The Islamic State’s Sahel Province (ISSP) has established itself as a hub for foreign fighters, raising its transnational threat risk to ...

Africa File, March 7, 2024: JNIM Strengthening Near Bamako; Kremlin and Nigeria Discuss Partnership

Al Qaeda–affiliated militants recently conducted the first suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack in southern M...

Iran Update, March 4, 2024

Africa File, February 29, 2024: Russia Eyes Gulf of Guinea, JNIM Massacres Civilians in Burkina Faso

Reports of a small and potentially growing number of Russian military advisers in Togo indicate that Russia and Togo are increasing their...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 15, 2024: Wagner Strikes Gold in Mali, and al Shabaab Terrorizes Mogadishu

Mali. The Wagner Group established control over its first gold mine in Mali and will likely attempt to expand its influence over northern...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Special Update: Senegal Election Crisis Destabilizes Another Western Partner

The ongoing Senegalese election crisis is destabilizing a crucial democratic US ally in turbulent West Africa, which threatens to further...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 1, 2024: Somalia Aims to Expand Stop-Start Offensive Against al Shabaab

The Somali Federal Government (SFG) is intensifying operations to clear al Shabaab’s remaining havens in central Somalia with support fro...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Blinken Visits West Africa as Former Sahelian Counterterrorism Partners Continue to Slide into Russia and Iran’s Orbit

The US secretary of state met with key US partners in West Africa as Russia and Iran are bolstering their ties with authoritarian regimes...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 18, 2024: Nigerien Junta Looks to the Kremlin as al Qaeda–linked Militants Amplify Attacks Near Niamey

The Nigerien junta is continuing to grow closer to the Kremlin and may deploy Russian mercenaries in Niger to respond to the deterioratin...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 10, 2024: New IS Campaign Presents Pro-Palestine Propaganda Opportunities for Sub-Saharan Affiliates

IS affiliates across sub-Saharan Africa have claimed attacks as part of the new IS global campaign and could attempt to carry out high-vi...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 4, 2024: Ethiopia-Somaliland Port Deal and al Qaeda Offensive in Central Mali

Horn of Africa. Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the de facto independent Somaliland Republic, a breakaway region of So...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Ethiopia-Somaliland Port Deal Strains Horn of Africa Counterterrorism Cooperation and Alters Red Sea Geopolitics

Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the de facto independent Somaliland Republic, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, December 13, 2023: Al Qaeda Strengthens in Central Mali

Al Qaeda­–linked militants are increasing their rate of attack in central Mali, likely to coerce civilians into submission to strengthen ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Western Failures, Military Coups, and Kremlin Gains Undermine US Geostrategic and Counterterrorism Interests in the Sahel

Western counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel over the past decade have failed, which contributed to governance collapse and the rise of ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, November 29, 2023: Potential ISSP-JNIM Truce Boosts Salafi-Jihadi Insurgency in the Sahel

A potential localized truce between Islamic State and al Qaeda–linked militants near the Malian-Nigerien border is likely aiding both gro...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, November 8, 2023: Malian and Wagner Forces at a Crossroads in Battle with Separatist and al Qaeda Insurgents in Northern Mali

Malian and Wagner forces will likely attempt to capture the vacated UN base in the Kidal regional capital in the coming weeks. Malian and...

Al Shabaab’s Area of Operations

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, October 25, 2023: Malian Junta and Its Wagner Group Allies Are Unprepared for Ongoing UN Withdrawal

The Malian junta and its Wagner Group auxiliaries cannot backfill withdrawing UN forces in northern Mali while maintaining pressure acros...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, October 18, 2023: Al Qaeda May Attack International Forces or Foreigners in Sub-Saharan Africa to Support Hamas

Al Qaeda’s affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa may take advantage of the Israel-Hamas war to attack their African or Western adversaries und...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, October 11, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 10, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, October 4, 2023: Pakistan Suicide Bombings, Somalia Backsliding, Tribal Insurgency Challenges SDF, and Sahelian Juntas Face Internal Pressure

Iraq and Syria. Tribal insurgent attacks against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) quintupled in the past week compared to pre...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 3, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 29, 2023

Yemen: AQAP-linked media unit says AQAP does not target Abyan’s tribes; AQAP fighters detonate IED targeting STC-backed forces in Abyan; ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update, September 27: Tribal Insurgency May Expand in Syria; Mali and Separatist Rebels Resume Fighting; Afghan Taliban and Pakistan Discuss Cross-Border Attacks; Iran Targets IS-Affiliated Militants in Iran

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 26, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 22, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update, September 20: Anti-Syrian Democratic Forces Insurgency Continues in Deir ez Zor, Kremlin Works to Replace Wagner in the Sahel, IS in Pakistan Targets Politician Before Elections, and Haqqani Network Supports Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan Attacks in Pakistan

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 19, 2023

Yemen: Houthis return from Riyadh and restate negotiating position; UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry says it supports Saudi-Houthi talks; AQA...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 15, 2023

Yemen: Saudi Arabia announces it is hosting senior Houthi delegation for talks in Riyadh; Houthi president confirms talks in Riyadh; Yeme...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update, September 13, 2023: SDF Lose Legitimacy in Deir ez Zor, al Qaeda and the Islamic State expand in West Africa, TTP Launches Offensive in Pakistan

Iraq and Syria. The tactics the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) used in recent clashes with Arab tribes in Deir ez Zor province undermined...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 12, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 8, 2023

Somalia: Somali officials plan to use local militias to lead revamped offensive against al Shabaab in central Somalia after recent setbac...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, August 16, 2023

Iraq and Syria. ISIS is conducting offensive operations in the central Syrian desert. Niger. The Nigerien junta will likely expedite effo...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Niger Crisis—ECOWAS Mobilization Does Not Guarantee Invasion

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activated and ordered the deployment of its standby force (ESF) on August 10 to re...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, August 9, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Niger Coup—Wagner Group and an ECOWAS Intervention Threaten to Further Destabilize the Sahel

The Nigerien junta is unlikely to capitulate to international pressure to reverse its coup, which will result in its international isolat...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, August 2, 2023

Niger. The Nigerien junta is unlikely to capitulate to international pressure to reverse its coup, which will result in its international...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, July 26, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Niger Coup Threatens Western Counterterrorism Efforts and Could Offer Opportunities to Russia

The outcome of the attempted coup in Niger on July 26 is unclear. Coups elsewhere in the Sahel have strengthened the regional al Qaeda an...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, July 20, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, July 12, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, July 5, 2023

Iraq and Syria. ISIS conducted three attacks in Iraq near a border crossing in Saudi Arabia, possibly signaling the group’s intent to cha...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Wagner Will Remain in Africa

The Wagner Group will continue operating in Africa following the group’s armed rebellion and is very unlikely to decrease its activity on...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 30, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, June 28, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Al Shabaab Increases Attacks on Somalia’s Neighbors

Al Shabaab is increasing the rate and severity of its attacks in northeastern Kenya and against Ethiopian forces in Somalia, likely to bo...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 27, 2023

Yemen: AQAP captures STC-backed position in Abyan; Yemeni president visits Hadramawt and says Hadramawt will manage its own finances, sec...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 23, 2023

Yemen: PLC Deputy blesses formation of new Hadrami National Council; STC president says he will hold UN-supervised referendum on southern...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, June 21, 2023 

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 20, 2023

Yemen: AQAP claims responsibility for three IED attacks targeting STC forces; Houthi officials go to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj; Anti-STC ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 16, 2023

Yemen: AQAP conducts two drone attacks targeting Shabwani Defense Force posts in southern Yemen; AQAP claims IED attack targeting STC-bac...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, June 14, 2023

Somalia. The Somali Federal Government (SFG) has to date failed to launch an offensive against al Shabaab in southern Somalia in 2023, wh...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 9, 2023

Yemen: US Secretary of State meets with top Saudi and Yemeni leaders in Saudi Arabia. Somalia: Al Shabaab conducts twin suicide bombing t...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, June 7, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 6, 2023

Yemen: UN Special Envoy meets with top Yemeni officials in Riyadh; UN special envoy meets with senior Omani officials and chief Houthi ne...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, May 31, 2023

Iraq and Syria. ISIS likely is increasing large-scale operations, setting conditions to challenge regime control in some population cente...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 30, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, May 24, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 26, 2023

Yemen: Hadrami leaders conclude two-day conference in Riyadh; PLC member meets with US ambassador to Yemen. Somalia: Al Shabaab complex s...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 24, 2023

Yemen: Houthis ban import of domestic gas into Houthi-controlled territory from government-controlled territory; prominent AQ supporter c...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 22, 2023

Yemen: Houthis commit to national unity in negotiations; STC President gives speech highlight STC aspirations to form independent souther...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 19, 2023

Yemen: STC President Zubaidi travels to Mukalla, Hadramawt governorate; unspecified Hadrami leaders met to demand an independent Hadrami ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, May 17, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 17, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 15, 2023

Yemen: Houthis accuse UK, US, and Saudi Arabia of preventing peace in Yemen; STC-backed forces announce successful counter-AQAP operation...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, May 10, 2023

Iraq and Syria. ISIS is expanding its support zones in the Middle Euphrates River Valley (MERV) despite falling attack claims. The US mis...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 10, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 8, 2023

Yemen: Houthi officials promise peace while threatening war; AQAP detonates an IED targeting STC-backed forces in Abyan; STC president ap...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, May 4, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 3, 2023

Yemen: UN envoy to Yemen meets with Houthi officials in Sana’a to discuss framework for ceasefire and Saudi-Houthi peace negotiations; UN...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, April 27, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 26, 2023

Yemen: Yemeni media report Houthi-ROYG peace negotiations will resume; A Houthi official threatens Saudi Arabia with attacks if peace tal...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, April 19, 2023

The Islamic State is strengthening and expanding globally. US operations targeting senior leaders in the Islamic State’s network temporar...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, April 12, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, April 5, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, March 29, 2023

Iraq and Syria. ISIS remains a viable insurgency in Syria that aspires to reestablish a territorial caliphate. The US presence in Syria e...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, March 22, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, March 16, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, March 8, 2023

Somalia. The Somali Federal Government (SFG) will begin a major offensive targeting al Shabaab–controlled areas of southern Somalia in th...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 3, 2023

Yemen: The US and Royal Navies interdicted Iranian arms bound for the Houthis Somalia: Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti to send additional ...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, March 1, 2023

Iran-backed Shi’a militants likely massacred unarmed Sunni civilians in Diyala on February 20. ISIS has not commented on the attack. Pro-...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 1, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 27, 2023

Yemen: AQAP claims IED attack targeting UAE-backed soldiers; likely US drone kills two suspected AQAP fighters; AQAP official disavows ca...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 22, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 15, 2023

Somalia. Several large-scale al Shabaab attacks on military bases across Somalia highlight that Somali counterterrorism efforts have not ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 13, 2023

Yemen: Houthi official reiterates conditions for continuing de-facto truce; Yemeni president meets US ambassador; Abyan Special Forces mu...

Gulf of Aden Security Review- February 10, 2023

Yemen: STC requests independent representation in peace talks; Houthi negotiators meet with Iranian officials; Houthi negotiators meet wi...

Africa File: Al Qaeda–Linked Militants Take Control in Northern Mali

Al Qaeda’s Sahel branch, Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wa al Muslimeen (JNIM), is filling the security vacuum in northern Mali following the Fr...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 8, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review- February 6, 2023

Yemen: AQAP claims two attacks in Wadi Omran, Mudiyah district, Abyan governorate; US Envoy to Yemen and US Ambassador to Yemen meet with...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 3, 2023

Yemen: French special forces seize Iranian weapons shipment for the Houthis; Mareb Press reports that ROYG will deploy new forces to sout...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, February 1, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 1, 2023

Yemen: US drone strike kills AQAP explosives expert; AQAP claims two separate attacks in Abyan Somalia: Somali national security advis...

Africa File: Wagner Group in Burkina Faso Will Help the Kremlin and Hurt Counterterrorism

The Kremlin-linked Wagner Group will likely deploy to Burkina Faso in the coming months. Military juntas in Burkina Faso and neighboring ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 30, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 27, 2023

Yemen: Saudi-led coalition orders pro-STC protest organizer to remove protest camps; Tariq Saleh’s spokesperson announces Saleh-Aydarus a...

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 25, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 25, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 23, 2023

Yemen: Qatari-owned media reports possible changes in the PLC; Houthis object to Saudi “buffer zone” proposal; Houthis accuse UK of “hind...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 20, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 18, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 18, 2023

Yemen: Omani delegation visits Sana’a for negotiations; Houthi negotiator threatens Gulf states and claims Saudi foreign minister will me...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 13, 2023

Salafi-Jihadi Movement Weekly Update, January 12, 2023

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 9, 2023

Yemen: Yemeni media issues conflicting reports on a failed IED attack in Hadramawt; AQAP detonates two separate IEDs targeting STC-backed...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 6, 2023

Yemen: AQAP denies responsibility for January 3 IED attack; AQAP detonates IED targeting STC-backed forces in Abyan; Saudi news outlet re...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 4, 2023

Africa File: Islamic State Affiliate Attempts to Assassinate Nigerian President

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) likely attempted to assassinate the Nigerian president. The group claimed responsibility...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 23, 2022

Yemen: Pro-STC media claims STC–backed forces attack an Islah checkpoint in Shabwah governorate; AQAP detonates another IED targeting STC...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 21, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 19, 2022

Yemen: The STC and its allies continue their media and protest campaign against the First Military Region; Houthi forces threaten anti-Ho...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 16, 2022

Yemen: First Military Region fires on likely STC-backed protesters in Hadramawt; Houthi official calls American interests “legitimate [Ho...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 14, 2022

Yemen: Houthis reiterate priorities and maximalist negotiating position; anti-STC gunmen attempt to assassinate STC official; Nihm tribes...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 12, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 9, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 7, 2022

Yemen: Yemeni president removes 1st Military Region chief of staff, causing Yemeni Army brigade closes entrances and exits of Seiyun, Had...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 5, 2022

Salafi-Jihadi Areas of Operation in the Lake Chad Basin

Islamic State and al Qaeda–linked groups are expanding across Nigeria by taking advantage of multilayered security crises across the coun...

Salafi-Jihadi Global Tracker: Al Shabaab Besieges Hotel Near Somali Presidential Complex

Al Shabaab besieged a hotel within a mile of Somalia’s presidential palace on November 27. The siege is the latest in a series of high-pr...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – November 14, 2022

Yemen: Houthi members meet with other Axis of Resistance factions; Houthis claim Saudis are willing to discuss salary payments; Houthi dr...

A Global Terror Threat Rises in Nigeria

Every Salafi-jihadi group that has attacked transnationally since al Qaeda’s inception began with a local focus. The Islamic State’s bran...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – November 7, 2022

Yemen: The Jordanian government restricts travel between Jordan and Sana’a and Aden; STC Negotiation Affairs head threatens to expel the ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 31, 2022

Salafi-Jihadi Global Tracker: Al Shabaab Conducts Largest Bombing Since 2017 in Retaliation for Losses in Central Somalia

Al Shabaab carried out its deadliest attack since 2017 on October 29, killing more than 100 people at the Education Ministry in Somalia’s...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 12, 2022

Yemen: AQAP detonates IED targeting STC forces in Abyan; AQAP detonates two IEDs targeting STC forces in Abyan in separate attack; AQAP a...

Africa File: Burkina Faso Coup Signals Deepening Governance and Security Crisis in the Sahel

Burkina Faso’s latest coup on September 30 indicates that the governance and security crisis in West Africa’s Sahel region continues to d...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 5, 2022

Yemen: The UN Secretary-General says the UN is continuing negotiations to pursue a truce extension; Houthis reject Saudi-Yemeni offer to ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – October 3, 2022

Yemen: Houthis and ROYG fail to renew Yemen’s truce; Houthis threaten oil companies in Saudi Arabia in the UAE; truce negotiations create...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 30, 2022

Yemen: PLC meets with Saudi defense minister to resolve differences; Houthi president and prime minister meet with UN special envoy; UN s...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 28, 2022

Yemen: UN envoy travels to Riyadh, Muscat, and Sana’a for negotiations; Houthis reiterate position on truce; Houthis threaten foreign com...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 26, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 23, 2022

Yemen: Taiz governor announces new airport opening; tribesmen in Sana’a demand release of sheikhs imprisoned by Houthis; AQAP targets STC...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 19, 2022

Yemen: An AQAP IED attack targets STC-backed forces in southern Yemen Somalia: SNA and Ma’awisley clear al Shabaab from multiple villa...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 16, 2022

Yemen: Houthi chief negotiator meets with Lebanese Hezbollah leader; AQAP transfers kidnapped UN workers out of Abyan; STC-backed forces ...

Africa File: Clan Uprising Bolsters anti–al Shabaab Offensive in Central Somalia

Local tribes in central Somalia are increasingly mobilizing against al Shabaab. Several Hawiye subclans in central and south-central Soma...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 14, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 12, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 2, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 31, 2022

Yemen: Major Houthi-initiated clashes in Taiz threaten last road connecting Taiz city to Aden; Houthis accuse Yemeni government of initia...

Africa File: Hayat Hotel Siege Challenges Somali Federal Government’s Counterterrorism Strategy

Al Shabaab conducted its longest-ever siege on a hotel in Somalia’s capital on August 19, marking a stepped-up effort to destabilize the ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 29, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 26, 2022

Yemen: Houthi negotiating delegation travels to Amman; US ambassador confirms presence of US military in Yemen; STC-backed military leade...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 24, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 22, 2022

Yemen: The Yemeni president meets with unspecified UAE officials in Abu Dhabi; Houthis allege US military involvement in southeastern Yem...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 19, 2022

Yemen: Israel may have targeted a Houthi camp in Sana’a in early August, killing Iranian and Lebanese scientists; clashes continue in Sha...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 17, 2022

Yemen: UAE drones target Yemeni Army posts in Shabwah governorate; UAE–backed militia reinforcements arrive in Shabwah governorate; fight...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 15, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 5, 2022

Yemen: Unidentified militants attack an oil pipeline in southern Yemen; suspected Houthi gunmen attempted to assassinate a Houthi officia...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – August 3, 2022

Yemen: Yemen’s warring parties agree to a two-month truce extension; unidentified militants assassinate a Security Belt Forces colonel in...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 29, 2022

Africa File: Al Shabaab Attacks Ethiopia

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 27, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 25, 2022

Yemen: Houthis shell three residential neighborhoods in southwestern Yemen; The UN condemns Houthi shelling in Taiz; likely Islah-linked ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 22, 2022

Yemen: Yemeni Army troops clash in southwestern Yemen Somalia: Al Shabaab launches an offensive along the Ethiopian border with southwes...

Africa File: Islamic State Prison Break Signals Expanding Salafi-Jihadi Threat in Nigeria

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 8, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – July 1, 2022

Yemen: Houthis conduct their first attack on Saudi Arabia since April; Israel says it will ask US approval to send advanced air defense s...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 17, 2022

Salafi-Jihadi Global Tracker: Assessing the Islamic State’s Role in the Owo Church Massacre in Nigeria 

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWA) is most likely not responsible for the June 5 massacre of at least 40 churchgoers in sou...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 6, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – June 3, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 20, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 18, 2022

Yemen: US secretary of state meets with Yemeni foreign minister; High-level Saudi delegation meets with US national security advisor; UN ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 16, 2022

Yemen: Possible Houthi gunmen assassinate military officer in Ma’rib; Houthi militants attempt to assassinate military commander in Aden ...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 13, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 11, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 9, 2022

Yemen: AQAP attacks STC-affiliated troops in southern Yemen; AQAP detonates an IED targeting UAE-backed Giants Brigades fighters in south...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 6, 2022

Yemen: Houthis continue military preparations in northern Yemen; Houthi spokesperson praises Elad stabbing attack Somalia: Al Shabaab ta...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 4, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – May 2, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 29, 2022

Yemen: Yemeni Army says the Houthis will attack when truce expires in June; Saudi-led coalition releases Houthi prisoners Somalia: Al Sh...

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 22, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 15, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 8, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – April 6, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 28, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 16, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 11, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 9, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 25, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 23, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 18, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 16, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 14, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 11, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 9, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 7, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 4, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – February 2, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 31, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 28, 2022

Africa File: Al Shabaab surges bombings amid Somali political crisis

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 26, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 24, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 21, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 19, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 14, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review - January 12, 2022

Gulf of Aden Security Review – January 10, 2022