Insurance Journal posted on 30 July 2026 an article titled "Houthis' Red Sea Attacks Prompt London Insurers to Widen High-Risk Zone" by Jonathan Saul.
As a result of Iran-backed Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, London insurers have expanded the area in the Red Sea subject to higher rates. Even small changes to war insurance add hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra costs for a seven-day voyage.
The Hill published on 23 July 2026 an article titled "Houthis Say 2 Saudi Oil Tankers Attacked in Red Sea" by Max Rego.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say they struck two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, using ballistic and cruise missiles in the Red Sea earlier this week. So far, they have forced at least 10 other ships to turn around rather than pass through the Bab el-Mandeb choke point.
The Associated Press published on 5 May 2026 an article titled "Sudan Recalls Ambassador to Ethiopia over Drone Attack on Khartoum Airport."
Sudan claims it has been targeted on 4 occasions by drones originating in Ethiopia since March 1. Sudan said it intercepted the most recent drone targeting Khartoum airport. It blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and claimed the UAE supplied the drones. Ethiopia issued a statement denying the accusation.
China-Africa Security Radar published on 21 April 2026 an article titled "Recent Study Maps How Conflict in Africa Shapes Chinese Investment."
A recent study by scholars affiliated with the People's Public Security University of China maps how China's expanding presence in Africa intersects with regions already characterized by persistent and, in many cases, escalating conflict. The study tracks how armed conflict across Africa has evolved between 1997 and 2024 and what this shift means for China's economic and strategic exposure, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The authors identify a consistent pattern, which is that in certain contexts, weaknesses in labor relations, environmental management, and community engagement can contribute to local dissatisfaction. In some cases, this dissatisfaction escalates into protests or localized unrest around Chinese projects. As China's economic presence expands across conflict affected regions, the question of protecting overseas assets and personnel has become more central.
AEI's Critical Threats published on 3 April 2026 an analysis titled "Houthi Escalation Calculus Following Cautious Entry into the Iran War" by Liam Karr and Brian Carter.
The Iran-backed Houthis threatened to join Iran's campaign with attacks across the region designed to coerce the United States and Israel to make concessions in negotiations with Iran and to deter further military escalation against Iran. But the Houthis are unlikely to follow through on these threats unless the US and its allies cross certain Houthi or Iranian red lines, such as the Gulf states entering the war or ground operations against Iran, to avoid retaliation from the US and its allies that would jeopardize the groups domestic position.
The Houthis have conducted several attacks targeting southern Israel since March 27, marking the group's first involvement in the war. Attacks on Israel minimize the risk of entanglement with the Gulf states or the United States. They draw retaliatory Israeli strikes on Yemen that only temporarily damage Houthi infrastructure while further rallying popular support for the group.
The South China Morning Post published on 27 February 2026 an article titled "Why Beijing's US$4.5 Billion Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline Is Being Attacked by Rebels" by Jevans Nyabiage.
A rebel group has been attacking the oil pipeline from Niger's oilfields to an Atlantic port in Benin in an effort to restore a former elected president to power in Niger. China financed, built, and continues to have a management role in the pipeline, which provides a significant amount of revenue for Niger's military junta. Although the attacks are not aimed at China, the situation poses a dilemma for Beijing and its non-interference policy.
AEI's Critical Threats Africa File published on 22 January 2026 an article titled "Somalia" by Michael De Angelo.
Al-Shabaab has stepped up its attacks northeast of Mogadishu in Middle Shabelle Region. The article includes a map of al-Shabaab attacks since December 2025.
