Zohran Baig’s Post

Sahel: Towards a prospective military alliance. What do you think about a possible military alliance among Sahel States Alliance (AES) - to push out terrorists from the region?

“We must move away from the notion that SOF is only a counter-terror option.” Read this Op-Ed in Atlantic Council written by our founder, Daniel Elkins. https://lnkd.in/gVKEY77a Recently in Defense One, USSOCOM Commander, General Bryan Fenton, stated, “SOF is purpose-built to help the U.S. compete and prevail by campaigning prior to, or in the absence of, armed conflict." Daniel asserts that a move back to a holistic approach laid out in National Security Council Paper 68 (NSC-68) is essential for addressing today’s multifaceted threats from state and non-state actors. #specialoperations #specialoperationsforces #ussocom #nationalsecurity #nationaldefense

Via Navy Recognition - PLA's Peace Unity-2024 Exercises in Africa focus on counter-terrorism and counter-piracy - Army Recognition https://lnkd.in/eRRKKfCb

USSOCOM Builds on Strengths as it Charts Future    The U.S. special operations community is renowned for its #agility, #adaptability, and #innovation in approaching missions. Immersive Wisdom (#IW) is a technology that perfectly aligns with these strengths, enabling next-level data sharing, joint effects synchronization, and access to denied areas. As #SOF approaches #counterterrorism in #collaboration with #interagency partners, #conventional forces, and counterterrorism forces from other nations, IW serves as the nexus of data sharing in a shared environment. By folding around IW, SOF can hyperenable their mission and enhance U.S. national security interests and regional integrated deterrence strategies. Check out the link below to learn more about how special operations are building on their strengths as they chart the future. #Adaptability #Access #DDIL #JointAlignment #SOFmission #DataSharing #NationalSecurity #IntegratedDeterrence Link to the original article:

CTS is one of the most cost-effective efforts the U.S. has supported in #Iraq, writes Institute expert Michael Knights. What can Washington do to check the deterioration and regain influence with its closest counterterrorism partner in Iraq? U.S. officials can take the following steps: ➡️Remind Iraq that the U.S. funds CTS ➡️Require new CTS leadership ➡️Expand vetting of senior CTS ranks ➡️Audit the end-use of U.S. materiel and funds #analysis #middleeast #mideast

#AntiterrorismAwarenessMonth Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to keep our communities safe. If you see something, say something: https://lnkd.in/g7_8zKjN AAM an opportunity to provide all service members, civilians, family members, and community members a chance to increase their understanding about extremism, terrorism, insider threats, and vulnerabilities. This month-long campaign is an annual observance to recognize the risk associated with the terrorist threat and provide education for Soldiers, DA civilians, family members and veterans to increase their Antiterrorism awareness and vigilance while promoting the following efforts: ▶️ Effective Antiterrorism programs and sustained community vigilance can counter terrorist and extremist threats. ▶️ The Army Antiterrorism Program protects personnel, information, critical assets and facilities in all locations and situations against terrorist and violent extremist threats. ▶️ The Army Antiterrorism and Protection programs (including insider threat) are an integrated effort to deter, detect and mitigate risk to Army readiness and support mission assurance. #StayVigilant #Report 1-800-CALL-SPY (1-800-225-5779) United States Department of Defense I US Army I U.S. Army Materiel Command I Rock Island Arsenal

The Pentagon's directive to withdraw all 1,000 U.S. combat troops from Niger represents a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in West Africa, primarily influenced by the political instability following the military coup in Niger. This move interrupts longstanding counterterrorism efforts and the strategic containment of Russian regional influence. The decision holds the potential for reversal or delay, contingent on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations with Niger's junta and the U.S. Congress. The strategic redeployment of troops within the region suggests an attempt to maintain operational readiness and responsiveness without a direct presence in Niger. Historically, Niger has been central to U.S. counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region, largely due to its strategic location and the assets stationed there, such as the drone base at Agadez. This partnership has been pivotal in monitoring and countering extremist groups across the Sahel. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically with last summer's coup, leading to an increased Russian presence, ostensibly filling the vacuum left by a potential U.S. withdrawal. Looking ahead, the U.S. faces the challenge of redefining its military and diplomatic posture in the region. As Russian influence potentially increases through entities like the Wagner Group, the U.S. will need to leverage diplomatic channels and regional alliances to maintain influence and counterterrorism capabilities indirectly. Additionally, the dynamics of U.S.-Niger relations will heavily influence the broader geopolitical stability in the Sahel, with implications for security, local governance, and superpower rivalry in West Africa. https://lnkd.in/gvgyQsdx

🚨Russian Navy Conducts Rare Drill in the English Channel, Drawing UK Condemnation Amid Rising Tensions🚨 In a bold manoeuvre, Russia conducted a rare naval drill in the English Channel, led by the newly commissioned frigate Admiral Golovko. Accompanied by the tanker Vyazma and the surveillance ship Yantar, the Russian vessels reportedly practiced air defence, anti-submarine, and counter-terrorism tactics while traversing the Dover Strait. The Russian announcement, highlighting the Golovko’s advanced hypersonic Tsirkon (Zircon) missiles, sent a strong message to European observers. The Royal Navy shadowed the fleet, reporting no observed drills, while UK leaders quickly condemned the display as a provocative move near British waters. The situation reflects increasing tension in Europe’s waters, as well as a growing awareness of Russia’s military reach beyond the conflict in Ukraine. The UK’s shadow defence secretary, James Cartlidge, emphasized the urgency of stronger defence funding, urging the government to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. This development underscores the shifting dynamics in maritime security across Europe and highlights the essential role of robust defence capabilities in safeguarding these vital trade routes and territories. #Geopolitics #SpotShip

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the strategic pivot of US Special Operations Forces (SOF) from counterterrorism to preparing for potential conflicts with great powers such as China and Russia. This transformation is underscored by increased demand for SOF support across the US military, as General Bryan Fenton of SOCOM described a "renaissance" in special military operations. This shift reflects the evolving nature of warfare and the complex dynamics among global adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, emphasizing strategic competition and crisis response. Moreover, this repositioning has led to significant operational changes, notably the permanent stationing of US SOF on Taiwan’s frontline islands. This signals direct preparation for potential conflicts in the Pacific region. These changes include training and equipping Taiwanese forces to strengthen their defensive capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. Concurrently, there is an ongoing effort to modernize US special operations maritime assets and adapt SOF roles towards irregular warfare, which is crucial for supporting allies under threat from foreign invasions and maintaining a versatile and responsive military posture amidst rising global tensions.