Mali: JNIM attacks on fuel tankers have triggered shortages and price hikes.

The government is shutting down stations exceeding price caps, while power outages are reported in some areas.

China is rapidly expanding missile forces along its east coast to threaten Taiwan and U.S. bases in Asia.

Satellite images show major growth at bases like Brigade 611 and 616, now hosting advanced missiles such as the DF-17 hypersonic and DF-26 “Guam Express.”

The Pentagon estimates the PLA Rocket Force has grown by ~50% in four years, to ~3,500 missiles.

These systems aim to:

Knock out Taiwan’s defenses in the opening phase of a war.

Deter or strike U.S. forces in Guam, Japan, and at sea.
Send a political signal that resistance is futile.

Xi Jinping has personally inspected missile brigades, urging troops to “deepen your sense of peril and crisis.”

Despite corruption scandals and doubts about real-world accuracy, experts say the Rocket Force remains the “crown jewel” of China’s military, raising nuclear escalation risks if war breaks out.

Source: NYT

Côte d’Ivoire acquired two Rafale fighter jets and a third ISR aircraft with advanced sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.