Dagvin Anderson

The United States has withdrawn most forces deployed for a May operation against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, now providing intelligence support at Nigeria's request. The operation killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and degraded the group's leadership, with AFRICOM highlighting the partnership as a model for African security cooperation.

The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is seeking three cultural and political advisors to support missions amid a 75% force reduction in the region over the past decade. Despite the drawdown, the U.S. conducted 124 airstrikes against militants in Somalia in 2025, up from 10 in 2024, while intelligence gaps have worsened due to reduced troop presence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is using Africa as a source of resources to fuel the war in Ukraine, according to Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. The US is facing an intelligence gap due to a reduced military presence on the continent. Terrorist groups such as ISIS and al Qaeda are also expanding their influence in Africa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is using Africa as a resource to fuel the war in Ukraine, according to Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. The US is facing an intelligence black hole due to a shrinking military footprint in Africa. Russia, China, and terrorist groups are expanding their influence in Africa.