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# Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism

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## Posts
- [Tactics Institute Urges Immediate Action to Combat Disinformation Threatening African Stability](https://tacticsinstitute.com/press-releases/tactics-institute-urges-immediate-action-to-combat-disinformation-threatening-african-stability/): As the impact of disinformation on African societies escalates, Tactics Institute calls for urgent measures to counter the alarming threat posed by digital campaigns to regional stability, security, and freedom. A recent report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) has revealed a disturbing surge in disinformation campaigns across the continent, with Russia emerging as the primary source of misinformation. Tactics Institute urges immediate action to combat disinformation and safeguard regional stability and peace in Africa.
- [Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows Revenge for Slain Father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/irans-supreme-leader-vows-revenge-for-slain-father-ayatollah-ali-khamenei/): Iran’s reported vow to avenge the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has injected fresh uncertainty into an already volatile Middle East. The statement, attributed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, comes at a moment of deep mourning, political transition, and heightened regional tension, making the killing far more than a domestic Iranian tragedy.
- [China Tests Sea-Based Reusable Rocket](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/china-tests-sea-based-reusable-rocket/): China has taken another significant step in its space ambitions after successfully testing a sea-based rocket booster recovery system, a development that highlights how quickly the country is moving into the reusable launch era. The test, reported by state media and picked up by international outlets, is being viewed as China’s first successful maritime recovery of an orbital-class booster, an achievement that places the country closer to the operational model long associated with SpaceX. The result is not just a technical win; it is a strategic signal that China is serious about building a lower-cost, higher-frequency launch system for future missions.
- [Syria State Sponsors of Terrorism List Removal Process Begins Under Trump ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/syria-state-sponsors-of-terrorism-list-removal-process-begins-under-trump/): The United States has begun the formal process of removing Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, marking one of the most consequential changes in Washington’s Middle East policy in years. The move, announced after President Donald Trump informed Congress of his administration’s intent, could reshape Syria’s economic outlook, diplomatic standing, and postwar recovery trajectory. It also ends, at least at the policy level, a designation that has defined Syria’s relationship with Washington since 1979.
- [Trump Ukraine Patriot License Explained: What It Means for Kyiv ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/trump-ukraine-patriot-license-explained-what-it-means-for-kyiv/): President Donald Trump said the United States will give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot defense systems, marking one of the clearest signals yet that Washington may allow Kyiv to build part of its own air-defense capability. The statement came during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed the war, the need for stronger defenses, and the broader search for a settlement.
- [Russia’s FSB Arrests 8 in Kabardino-Balkaria Over Alleged Terror Plot](https://tacticsinstitute.com/eurasia/russias-fsb-arrests-8-in-kabardino-balkaria-over-alleged-terror-plot/): Russian authorities said they detained eight people in Kabardino-Balkaria, alleging that the group was preparing terrorist attacks on law-enforcement facilities and planning to seize weapons. The case, announced by the Federal Security Service with support from the Interior Ministry and the National Guard, adds to a long pattern of security crackdowns in the North Caucasus, where Moscow has repeatedly described local suspects as members of clandestine extremist networks. 
- [Iran Strikes U.S. Military Sites in Gulf](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/iran-strikes-u-s-military-sites-in-gulf/): Iran’s claim that it struck American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait marks a sharp new phase in an already volatile confrontation, turning a maritime security crisis into a broader regional flashpoint. 
- [Morocco dismantles ISIL-linked Sahel cell](https://tacticsinstitute.com/africa/morocco-dismantles-isil-linked-sahel-cell/): Morocco’s announcement that it dismantled an ISIL-linked cell planning an attack tied to the Sahel underscores how deeply the region’s insurgent networks now reach beyond their core territory. The case is significant not only because authorities say they stopped a plot in time, but also because it reflects the growing concern in Rabat that instability in the Sahel is no longer a distant problem. It is increasingly being treated as a direct security threat to Morocco itself.
- [Ukrainian Drones Hit Russia’s Largest Oil Refinery](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/ukrainian-drones-hit-russias-largest-oil-refinery/): Ukrainian drones reaching deep into Siberia to strike Russia’s largest oil refinery marks a major escalation in the war’s geographic and strategic scope. The attack on the Omsk oil refinery, one of the country’s biggest fuel-producing sites, is not just another drone incident on Russian soil; it is a signal that Ukraine’s long-range strike capability has moved far beyond the borderlands and now threatens vital industrial assets far inside Russia. For Moscow, this is a painful reminder that distance is no longer a reliable shield, while for Kyiv it is a demonstration of growing operational reach, battlefield adaptation, and pressure on Russia’s energy economy.
- [Iraqi F-16 Strike ISIS Hideouts in Kirkuk](https://tacticsinstitute.com/middle-east/iraqi-f-16-strike-isis-hideouts-in-kirkuk/): Iraq’s latest strike campaign in northern Kirkuk is more than a routine air operation; it is a reminder that ISIS remains a live security problem in Iraq’s disputed and rural belts. According to Iraqi and regional reporting, F-16 fighter jets carried out three airstrikes on remaining ISIS hideouts in Kirkuk province after a ground operation and armed clashes in the same area north of the city.
- [China’s Rare Submarine Ballistic Missile Test Rattles Pacific](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/chinas-rare-submarine-ballistic-missile-test-rattles-pacific/): China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific has sharpened strategic anxieties across the region, exposing the gap between Beijing’s insistence that the launch was routine and the alarm voiced by Pacific neighbors who see it as a destabilizing show of force. The episode matters not only because of the weapon involved, but because it unfolded in a theatre already shaped by intense great-power competition, maritime insecurity, and worsening trust deficits between China and its neighbors.
- [US Pulls Most Troops From Nigeria but Leaves Intelligence Network in Place ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/us-pulls-most-troops-from-nigeria-but-leaves-intelligence-network-in-place/): While the US has pulled out many of its forces from Nigeria in connection with a counter-terrorism collaboration effort in the Lake Chad Basin, there is no indication that Washington has completely severed its security relations with Abuja. The sharing of intelligence, provision of training, and military cooperation efforts are reportedly going on as per the claims made by both parties, indicating that the move is a partial withdrawal on the part of the Americans. This development is important due to the fact that it is happening when Nigeria’s anti-terrorism strategy is at a critical juncture. 
- [Russia Drone Operators Job Ad Signals Urgent Push to Protect Moscow From Drones](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russia-drone-operators-job-ad-signals-urgent-push-to-protect-moscow-from-drones/): Russia’s reported decision to advertise for drone operators on HeadHunter, the country’s biggest jobs website, shows how the war has pushed even air defense recruitment into civilian labor channels. 
- [Russia Drone Surveillance of European Nuclear Sites: Inside the 18‑Month Shadow Fleet Campaign](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russia-drone-surveillance-of-european-nuclear-sites-inside-the-18-month-shadow-fleet-campaign/): For 18 months, a shadowy armada of Russian‑linked vessels is alleged to have operated just beyond Europe’s horizons, launching small drones that slipped over airbases, ports, and nuclear installations with alarming regularity. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) says it is
- [US Designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers Gang as Terrorist Group](https://tacticsinstitute.com/americas/us-designates-ecuadors-chone-killers-gang-as-terrorist-group/): The United States has formally designated Ecuador’s Chone Killers gang as a foreign terrorist organization, deepening Washington’s crackdown on Latin American criminal networks and adding fresh pressure on Ecuador’s already fragile security environment. 
- [Ukraine war casualties top 2 million](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/ukraine-war-casualties-top-2-million/): The war in Ukraine has crossed another grim threshold, with a new study saying total military casualties have now passed 2 million. The scale of the losses underscores not only the intensity of Russia’s invasion but also the extraordinary human cost of a conflict that has become one of the bloodiest in modern European history. For all the battlefield changes, diplomatic deadlock, and repeated claims of momentum from both sides, the central fact remains the same: this war is still consuming soldiers at an alarming rate.
- [Ukrainian drone strikes and Russia’s fuel strain](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/ukrainian-drone-strikes-and-russias-fuel-strain/): Attacks on Russian oil refineries using drones by Ukraine have become one of the most impactful points of pressure in the war as energy infrastructure gets turned into a battlefield. In the course of recent months, several strikes led to ignition of fires in these places, temporary disruption of their work, and caused doubts that Russia may experience serious fuel shortages during the summer because of those strikes, particularly in the territories near refinery and distribution centers. 
- [Dutch Police Arrest Minor in Nihilist Terror Plot](https://tacticsinstitute.com/europe/dutch-police-arrest-minor-in-nihilist-terror-plot/): The case of terrorism in the Netherlands has been opened due to a number of reasons: first, due to the fact that the suspect in this crime is very young; second, the motives for his actions can be linked to a rather new threat that appeared lately – nihilist violence. The fact that there was arrested a young man in the Netherlands shows that the counter-terrorism organizations are faced not only with traditional terrorist threats that come from certain ideologies, but also with those that appear in the Internet subculture where violence, fame, and anarchy are glorified.
- [Russian Soldiers’ Last Minutes Under Ukraine Drones Reveal Brutal Frontline Reality ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russian-soldiers-last-minutes-under-ukraine-drones-reveal-brutal-frontline-reality/): According to reports, Russian soldiers deployed in some frontline locations can only survive for about 20 to 35 minutes in open terrain, revealing the effect of Ukraine’s drone war tactics on the battlefronts. This statement, which gained prominence through Russian blogs that support the war and then through international media channels, shows the impact of drones not only in terms of losses but also in terms of psychological pressure.
- [Starmer unveils UK defence plan with £5bn for drones](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/starmer-unveils-uk-defence-plan-with-5bn-for-drones/): UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an ambitious defence spending programme centring drones, autonomy, and hybrid naval vessels on the UK’s future military plans. The move, which was long delayed due to internal budget disputes, marks a clear departure from the traditional defence force configuration and the embrace of a new concept based on speed, technology and adaptability. With over £5 billion committed towards drones and their capabilities over the next four years, the plan is being seen not only as a procurement strategy but as a blueprint for how Britain plans to deter threats.
- [Australia Vanuatu Deal Blocks Potential China Military Base ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/australia-vanuatu-deal-blocks-potential-china-military-base/): A new security and economic deal between Australia and Vanuatu, which has been in the works for quite some time now, has finally materialized, putting a complete stop to any chances for China to build a foreign military base in Vanuatu. This agreement, reached in Canberra by the two leaders of the countries, has been regarded by observers as one of the most important strategic developments in the Pacific in recent times. The deal consolidates the influence of Australia as the main security ally of Vanuatu, while also setting definite boundaries for the presence of foreign military forces in the island country.
- [Israel’s Military and Tech Race Against Hezbollah Threat](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/israels-military-and-tech-race-against-hezbollah-threat/): Israel now finds itself confronted with an enemy threat which is increasingly adept at adapting to changing circumstances and which requires the Israeli military and defense industries to engage in a fast paced race to counter these developments. While once a problem primarily confined to rocket and border fire attacks, this new threat has evolved into one which is far more sophisticated in nature and involves stealth drones and precise attacks as well as rapidly escalating battle dynamics. Recent news coverage reveals that the Israelis are not approaching the problem from a purely tactical perspective. Rather, they have developed a two-pronged approach which involves both military actions against Hezbollah targets as well as improved detection and interception systems.
- [Israel-Lebanon Deal Ties Ceasefire to Hezbollah Disarmament](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/israel-lebanon-deal-ties-ceasefire-to-hezbollah-disarmament/): The recently established framework for negotiations brokered by the U.S. between Israel and Lebanon can be viewed as one of the most important developments in the long-standing dispute, but far from an accomplished peace agreement. Since the framework requires the disarmament of Hezbollah before a ceasefire and withdrawal, it seeks to resolve the main security problem that prevented previous agreements from holding. However, the very framework cannot rely on the implementation of its conditions by those involved in the dispute that cannot agree on the sequence of their actions.
- [Bahrain Drone Attack Deepens Iran-U.S. Crisis](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/bahrain-drone-attack-deepens-iran-u-s-crisis/): The latest development in the Gulf region has put to the test the credibility of both the U.S. and Iran as the existing fragile truce was transformed into yet another challenge for the two parties. While Bahrain claimed that it was targeted by Iranian drones as a reaction to the attacks of the United States on Iran, Donald Trump stated that Iran had violated the terms of the truce agreement, thus initiating yet another spiral of accusations, threats, and military maneuvering in one of the most volatile parts of the world. 
- [Turkey Arrests 209 ISIS Suspects in Counterterror Raids Ahead of NATO Summit ](https://tacticsinstitute.com/eurasia/turkey-arrests-209-isis-suspects-in-counterterror-raids-ahead-of-nato-summit/): The arrest of 209 individuals in an extensive anti-terrorism operation conducted by the Turkish government before the upcoming NATO meeting in Ankara demonstrates the way in which security, politics, and diplomacy have begun to merge in Ankara. The arrests took place just weeks prior to the arrival of the leaders of NATO in the city, and the operation shows the resolve of the Turkish government to avoid disturbances and their historical tendency for extensive security operations prior to major diplomatic events.
- [North Korea’s Largest Warship Signals Bigger Naval Ambitions](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/north-koreas-largest-warship-signals-bigger-naval-ambitions/): North Korea’s launch of its biggest-ever warship is not merely a naval achievement; it is a political message, a military gesture, and a threat to rival nations. It indicates that North Korea is no longer interested in mere tokenism through its navy and is now moving towards developing a much bigger navy that would change perceptions about its military strategy altogether.
- [Israel’s Secret Starlink Move in Iran](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/israels-secret-starlink-move-in-iran/): The Israeli attempt to smuggle Starlink terminals into Iran, if true in full detail, represents one of the most obvious instances of the use of technology in geopolitics in the undeclared war being waged between Iran and its opponents. This allegation, put forward by Israeli ex-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, implies that Israel not only spoke about doing something but also took tangible actions to ensure the Iranians had access to external communication during the period when their government limited them in this regard.
- [Netanyahu Pushes Israel to Reduce U.S. Arms Dependence](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/netanyahu-pushes-israel-to-reduce-u-s-arms-dependence/): The latest statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu represent one of the most direct signals from Netanyahu regarding the need to lessen reliance on U.S. military aid and develop an increasingly independent military-industrial complex. Rather than viewing the move as a confrontation with Washington, the Israeli Prime Minister described it as a strategic decision dictated by war and regional threats, as well as the need for independence. In essence, Netanyahu’s statements are an expression of the belief that the country possesses the capability to operate independently of Washington, despite the potential risks associated with this decision.
- [Durham Resident Sentenced for Plotting to Support ISIS Terrorists](https://tacticsinstitute.com/americas/durham-resident-sentenced-for-plotting-to-support-isis-terrorists/): The US federal justice system rendered its verdict against terrorism when a 29-year-old man from Durham, North Carolina named Alexander Justin White was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for conspiring to supply ISIS fighters with material support. This is an important example of success of contemporary counterterrorism efforts since it shows how surveillance, intelligence, and quick action of law enforcement can stop foreign terrorist fighters from traveling abroad to join ISIS.
- [US Strike on Alleged Drug Boat Kills 2: Latest in Escalating Pacific Campaign](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/us-strike-on-alleged-drug-boat-kills-2-latest-in-escalating-pacific-campaign/): U.S. forces launched another deadly attack on a suspected boat involved in drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean region on Thursday, June 18, 2026, resulting in immediate deaths of two individuals and six survivors in a continuing effort to counter what the administration of President Donald Trump deems to be "narcoterrorists" in Latin America. The current attack is part of the escalating conflict between the United States and the narcoterrorists in the Eastern Pacific, whereby the number of casualties from attacks on suspected boats has exceeded 210 people in over 60 operations since early September 2025.
- [London Man Found Guilty of Sharing Terrorist Material Including Bomb-Making Manual](https://tacticsinstitute.com/europe/london-man-found-guilty-of-sharing-terrorist-material-including-bomb-making-manual/): In a historic ruling from the Old Bailey in London, a 34-year-old man has been found guilty of disseminating terrorist material which consisted of a bomb-making instruction manual. This is one of the most important rulings in recent times concerning the fight against terrorism in the United Kingdom, highlighting the emphasis of the judicial system on the distribution of extremist material on digital platforms. The court ruled that the unnamed man in question disseminated the said material using encrypted internet sites from 2023 to 2024. According to the prosecution, the material was not just stored but disseminated to at least six people, including minors.
- [Bolivia State of Emergency: Crisis, Stats, and Political Stances Explained](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/bolivia-state-of-emergency-crisis-stats-and-political-stances-explained/): Bolivia has been going through an agitated period of protests, road blockades, and even violent clashes for weeks now. On June 3, 2026, President Rodrigo Paz presented a state of emergency act to Congress, signaling a crucial moment in a dispute that has led to the blockage of 103 roads, death of nine individuals, and the creation of a humanitarian crisis in La Paz. It is more than just a legal move; it is a political risk that can make or break Bolivia.
- [Europe Launches Major ISKP Counterterrorism Operation Against Daesh’s Global Expansion](https://tacticsinstitute.com/europe/europe-launches-major-iskp-counterterrorism-operation-against-daeshs-global-expansion/): In Europe, there has been a massive anti-terrorism strategy initiated against ISKP, which is the local branch of Daesh (ISIS) based in Afghanistan. This strategy is coordinated in several EU member countries and involves the use of intelligence sharing mechanisms. It is intended to hinder the activities of ISKP in terms of external attacks, disruption of recruitment processes and thwarting any terror plans on European soil. The new strategy has been initiated following fears over the renewed international threat posed by ISKP. According to experts, ISKP is exploiting its bases in Afghanistan and those in Central and South Asia.
- [Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow Refinery: Largest Assault in War](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/ukrainian-drones-hit-moscow-refinery-largest-assault-in-war/): The early morning hours of June 18, 2026, witnessed Ukraine's drones attacking an important oil refinery in the southeast part of Moscow, resulting in huge fires and interfering with flight activities around the area, thus making the attack the biggest to ever be launched against Moscow using unmanned aerial vehicles in the four years since the beginning of the full-scale war. This attack against the Moscow Oil Refinery situated in the Kapotnya District, nine miles away from the Kremlin, signals a breakthrough in Kyiv's capability for long-range strikes in the ongoing war.
- [Russian Warship Warning Shots at Yacht Raise English Channel Tensions](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russian-warship-warning-shots-at-yacht-raise-english-channel-tensions/): On Tuesday, there was a firing of warning shots by a Russian naval vessel at a pleasure yacht registered in the United Kingdom in the English Channel; however, no harm was done, yet the case highlighted the growing tension between Russia and the western world. This took place about 20 miles off the coast of the Isle of Wight, and outside the jurisdictional borders of Britain.
- [FBI Foils Multi-Phase Terror Plot Targeting UFC Freedom 250 at White House](https://tacticsinstitute.com/americas/fbi-foils-multi-phase-terror-plot-targeting-ufc-freedom-250-at-white-house/): A major announcement was made on June 16, 2026, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that could potentially create a stir in the realm of national security, but the operation turned out to be successful: the federal agency succeeded in disrupting a multi-tier terror attack plot against the UFC Freedom 250 event taking place at the White House South Lawn just two days before, on June 14. This particular operation, conducted within the span of only 72 hours, is one of the most intricate disruptions in White House security operations to date.
- [Arctic Commander Says Greenland Has Enough Bases to Defend Itself](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/arctic-commander-says-greenland-has-enough-bases-to-defend-itself/): In a conclusive announcement made by Major General Søren Andersen, commander of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Greenland, dated June 16, 2026, he noted that “the territory of the Arctic region has enough military facilities and troops to protect itself from external threats while facilitating the NATO mission.” It is important to mention that the above announcement was made during a period where international actors are racing to control the Arctic area, especially because of its special location above the Arctic Circle.
- [Russian Strike Damages Kyiv’s Historic Orthodox Cathedral](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russian-strike-damages-kyivs-historic-orthodox-cathedral/): The early morning of June 15, 2026, saw a fiery pillar rising into the night sky from the center of Kyiv, as one of the most sacred buildings in all of Eastern Christianity burned to the ground. The Dormition Cathedral, which is part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery dating back to the 11th century, was set ablaze when a Russian drone targeted the roof, causing approximately 800 square meters of roofing to catch fire.
- [FBI World Cup Security: Drones and Lone-Wolf Threats Drive 11-City Plan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/fbi-world-cup-security-drones-and-lone-wolf-threats-drive-11-city-plan/): The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in the United States with plans to hold over 78 games in 11 different locations in just 39 days. However, the fun and games have a serious side in one of the most complicated security efforts ever attempted in America for any sports event. There are two main threats cited by the FBI in its threat assessments: hostile drones that can cause mass casualties and lone wolf terrorists who leave no trace of their activities before attacking. Millions of foreign tourists are expected to descend on American cities, and federal authorities are teaming up with more than 400 other police forces in private security groups to ensure that stadiums and open venues are protected.
- [China Claims “Spy Turtles” & “Spy Fish” Deployed by Foreign Intelligence in Its Waters](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/china-claims-spy-turtles-spy-fish-deployed-by-foreign-intelligence-in-its-waters/): In a stunning announcement from the Chinese Ministry of State Security on Friday, June 12, 2026, that is sending shock waves through the world's intelligence agencies and marine science community alike, it was revealed that foreign espionage agencies are employing unorthodox means of surveillance using marine life equipped with sensors.
- [Nigerian Terrorists’ TikTok Exploitation: A Digital Governance Crisis Threatening Northeastern Stability](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/nigerian-terrorists-tiktok-exploitation-a-digital-governance-crisis-threatening-northeastern-stability/): In April 2025, over a hundred people died in the Borno region, where the insurgence movement in Nigeria is based, representing the worst spike in terrorist activities and an equally alarming shift in strategy adopted by the groups. Terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have been increasingly relying on social media platform TikTok to disseminate terrorist ideologies, recruit members, and mobilize resources by livestreaming and digital gifts. The change is indicative not just of a shift in technology but rather of a paradigm shift in the practice of insurgency in the digital age.
- [Iran Strikes US Gulf Bases Again, Declares Hormuz Closure](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/iran-strikes-us-gulf-bases-again-declares-hormuz-closure/): The situation in the Middle East region has reached an extremely unstable stage where missiles were launched by Iran targeting US forces in the Gulf region for two successive nights, while at the same time announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This move has been declared from June 9-10, 2026, marking a major escalation of tension between the United States and Iran following the temporary ceasefire reached in April 2026 by the two countries. The situation, which started as a local conflict over nuclear facilities, has now turned into a global issue.
- [Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/iran-launches-retaliatory-strikes-on-us-targets-in-bahrain-kuwait-and-jordan/): Military escalation is now rife in the Middle East as the Iranians retaliated against the United States' attacks on their land through missile attacks on United States' military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. This military escalation comes at a time when the Iranians have been in a state of war for several months now.
- [Taiwan Test-Fires U.S.-Supplied HIMARS Rocket System Toward China](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/taiwan-test-fires-u-s-supplied-himars-rocket-system-toward-china/): In a landmark development in Taiwan and China’s military relations, Taiwan launched rockets in the direction of China using a HIMARS rocket launcher, which is made available by America, for the first time ever on Wednesday, June 9, 2026, as a practice for invasion defense exercises on the western coast of Taiwan. This historic practice of military maneuvers took place in the vicinity of an estuary of a river in the city of Taichung in central Taiwan.
- [US Apache Helicopter Crash Near Strait of Hormuz Marks First Loss in 101-Day War](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/us-apache-helicopter-crash-near-strait-of-hormuz-marks-first-loss-in-101-day-war/): An American United States Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near the vital Strait of Hormuz on Monday, June 8, 2026, during its patrol around the waters near the Omani coastline, representing the first loss of an Apache helicopter in the prolonged conflict of 101 days involving the war among Iran, Israel, and America. Both the pilot and co-pilot/gunner from the US Army Apache gunship were saved after approximately two hours from the crash and put in good shape, reported by US Central Command. It is estimated that the value of the airframe alone costs about $35 million to $40 million, while the complete unit is worth $52 million to $100 million. The helicopter was utilized to enforce a blockade imposed against the ports of Iran located near the vital strait still controlled by Iran.
- [Pentagon Labels BYD and Alibaba as Aiding Chinese Military](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/pentagon-labels-byd-and-alibaba-as-aiding-chinese-military/): In a bold move that has rocked the world of technology and automobile sectors, the Pentagon has officially included the electric car company BYD and technology company Alibaba on its blacklist as two Chinese firms providing support to China’s military forces. This came following the Pentagon’s official announcement made on Monday, June 8, 2026, under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
- [3 U.S. Men Arrested in ISIS Support Plot](https://tacticsinstitute.com/americas/3-u-s-men-arrested-in-isis-support-plot/): According to federal officials, three U.S. citizens have been detained in the last few days in Kansas and California on the charges of conspiring to provide assistance to the ISIS. This shows how the propagation of online extremist material, encryption and small financial dealings can yet lead to serious national security inquiries. It is alleged by the department that these men had been exchanging messages about conducting attacks against American soldiers outside the country and supporting the Islamic State financially as well as pledging their loyalty to the terrorist organization.
- [Russia Claims Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Downed as Economic Forum Ends](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/russia-claims-hundreds-of-ukrainian-drones-downed-as-economic-forum-ends/): Russia’s defense ministry revealed on Saturday that the country’s air defense systems had engaged more than 300 Ukrainian drones over 16 regions overnight, which is believed to be one of the biggest organized strikes with drones in this ongoing war, as the Russia-Africa Economic Forum was coming to an end in Moscow. The Geopolitical implications of such a large-scale drone attack taking place right after high-level diplomats have left Moscow are being debated.
- [Israeli Airstrike Violates Ceasefire: 9 Killed Including Lebanese Army Officers](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/israeli-airstrike-violates-ceasefire-9-killed-including-lebanese-army-officers/): The hope for peace gained through diplomacy from talks held in Washington within the past few days has been brutally torn apart. The attack took place on Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, when Israeli attacks were launched on two sites in southern Lebanon, causing the deaths of nine individuals, including three Lebanese army personnel consisting of a brigadier general, a captain, and an army recruit. This attack has happened at a time when Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a conditional ceasefire after trilateral talks held in America.
- [Mogadishu Clashes Deepen Somalia’s Political Crisis](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/mogadishu-clashes-deepen-somalias-political-crisis/): Violence has broken out all over Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, and there have been new concerns that Somalia is descending into widespread turmoil. The Mogadishu violence Somalia political situation has resurfaced with new vigor as government troops and armed groups allied to opposition leaders engage in gunfights within the city, which plays a pivotal role in the nation’s governance structure. This development represents a significant shift in the dynamics of Somalia’s volatile politics as it moves towards a state of governance failure.
- [Israel Azerbaijan Troop Deployment: Secret Iran War Network](https://tacticsinstitute.com/analysis/israel-azerbaijan-troop-deployment-secret-iran-war-network/): Unverified reports and leaks point to Israel sending troops to Azerbaijan during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Initially brought to light by CNN and backed up by Ynet and Times Now, this story shows how Israel is expanding its military reach beyond its borders. They're using Azerbaijan as a base for gathering intelligence, operating drones, and launching commando ops against Iran. So, Israel might have a hidden military presence stretching from the Middle East into Central Asia, boosting their tactical position and striking capabilities.

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## Team
- [Vaso Kollia](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/vaso-kollia/): Vasso Kollia studied Political Science and European Policy in Essex University. Her research interests include EU integration and foreign policy, political theory and ideology, As a policy analysts she has worked for a number of think tanks and has worked with corporates on government relations consulting. She served in two Greek governments as Secretary General for Youth Policy (2004-2007) and State Secretary on Gender Equality (2013-2015).
- [Molly Daunt](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/molly-daunt/): Molly graduated with a BA Honours in Classics at Oxford before completing a fellowship at Princeton, specialising in Middle Eastern foreign policy and counter-terrorism. She is now completing her MA in Middle Eastern Studies with Intensive Arabic at SOAS and is soon to publish a research paper on the use of ‘proxy-war rhetoric in the Yemeni Civil War. She has traveled widely, participating in a number of archaeological excavations, and working as a criminology volunteer against human rights abuses in Durban, South Africa.
- [Elif Eyuboglu](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/elif-eyuboglu/): Elif Eyuboglu is enrolled at the International Relations program of Koç University, specialising in security studies. As part of the Erasmus program, she spent a year at the Univeritat Auronoma, Barcelona. She has worked as an intern for the Embassy of Turkey in Tokyo and the Turkish Foreign Policy Institute. She is the youngest member of the International Relations Council of Turkey and the Women in Foreign Policy Association in Turkey.
- [Bárbara Matias](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/barbara-matias/): Bárbara Matias has a career spanning many countries and missions. She recently served as NATO Programme Officer to the training mission in Iraq and the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Relief Crisis Center's Team Lead on NATO-EU coordination. She was previously based in Kosovo working on the dialogue with Serbia and the Western Balkan EU enlargement. Her international background also includes work at EUROJUST, the Portuguese diplomatic missions in Austria and Sweden, and human right research at a Greek refugee camp. Bárbara was a Fulbright graduate scholar at Columbia University, where she completed an MA in Human Rights Studies and was invited to be an undergraduate lecturer/teaching assistant. She speaks 6 languages, is a regular contributor to several think-tanks on foreign affairs, and committed to the project of European Integration.
- [Michal Vit](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/michal-vit/): Michal Vit is an Assistant Professor at the Metropolitan University of Prague and Visiting Professor at South-East European University (NKM). He obtained his doctorate in 2017 from Masaryk University and the University of Leipzig. Previously he was associated with the Institute for European Policy (IEP), Berlin and the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy. He is a University of Konstanz and University of Vienna fellow. His research interests are EU Enlargement and Justice and Home Affairs policies.
- [Areti Vasmada](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/areti-vasmada/): Areti Vasmada holds a BA in International and European Studies. As a researcher she contributed to the review of the "Common Defense and Security Policy on EU's Budget for the years 2021-27" review, published by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. She was the first prize winner of the 2019 NATO Debates Championship organised by the George Washington University’s Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies. She recently completed her intership at the UNESCO Chair for "Women, Peace, and Security."
- [Gwendoline Tarcy](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/gwendoline-tarcy/): Gwen speaks French, Russian, and English. She holds an MA in International Relations with a specialization in geopolitical analysis and CIS and East Partnership area studies expertise. Her recent research focuses on Gazprom as a foreign policy stakeholder.
- [Ritesh Kotak](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/ritesh-kotak/): Ritesh Kotak is a cybersecurity analyst and consultant. He has a decade of experience working with Canadian police agencies, co-leading the creation of the Cyber-Crimes unit and the Research and Innovation portfolio focusing on digital transformation. He has also worked on several international assignments. Ritesh transitioned to the private sector where he worked with different Fortune 500 tech companies on global projects related to cybersecurity, investigations and next-generation IoT applications for Smart Cities projects. In 2018, Ritesh was selected by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for their Emerging Leaders Executive 6 Program. In 2017, he completed an MBA with distinction at the University of Edinburgh with an exchange at Peking University in Beijing, China. He also holds a BBA from the University of Toronto.
- [Atdhe Lila](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/atdhe-lila/): Mr. Atdhe Lila holds an advanced LL.M degree in Law and Digital Technologies from the University of Leiden. His field of expertise varies from Privacy & Data Protection, Cyber Law and Security to EU Law and Regulatory approximation. He has worked as a Senior Legal Officer for the Government of Kosovo, where he assisted in drafting national laws/regulations and helped in EU legal approximation. He has also been a member of research teams primarily focusing on Disruptive Technologies, their risks and how to regulate them, harmonized with Cyber-Security and online privacy. Mr Lila has been employed by companies from all over the world including Germany, the UK, the US and Brazil.
- [Ioanna Iliadi](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/ioanna-iliadi/): Ioanna Iliadi is a military journalist working across traditional and digital platforms and Editor in Chief of ArmyVoice.gr. She is based in Athens.
- [Octavian Manea](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/octavian-manea/): Octavian Manea is a journalist specialized on Euro-Atlantic security affairs. He is based in Bucharest.
- [Dr. Nickolay Kapitonenko](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/dr-nickolay-kapitonenko/): Nickolay Kapitonenko, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations of Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University. He’s also a Director to the Center of International Studies, and an associated expert with the International Center for Political Studies. He has been invited as a visiting professor to the University of Iowa, and was teaching at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Since 2015 Mykola has been co-editing UA: Ukraine Analytica. Mykola is an adviser to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy.
- [Georges Estievenart](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/georges-estievenart/): Director of the EMCDDA: 'We help politicians take better decisions' Founding Director of the European Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addictions (Lisbon).Senior Researcher at the Institute Prospective and Security in Europe (Paris). Teacher on Drugs, Organized Crime and the European Union (Institute of Political Sciences, Paris, 2006-to date).
- [Christine Bruneau](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/christine-bruneau/): She is expert in the Africa affairs and worked on a number of projects in the continent. She is President of the association “Women of tomorrow”, she invents a contemporary feminism. Bruneau is also deputy mayor of Boulogne-Billancourt plays on all fronts. A woman on the ground, imbued with values ​​but refusing any partisan spirit, she Americanized her political approach.
- [George Scutaru](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/george-scutaru/): General director of the New Strategy Center (Bucharest, Romania), a think tank in security and foreign affaires field. George started his professional career in journalism, including a period as a press correspondent to Moscow. He is former Romanian MP, when he worked as Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Committee on Defence of the House of Deputies, member of the Romanian Parliament delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and former national security advisor to the Romanian President
- [Alexandre Vautravers](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/alexandre-vautravers/): Since 2015, Alexandre Vautravers has been a senior advisor at the Department of Security (DSES) of the State of Geneva. He has been responsible for drafting the security strategy and setting up the Security Advisory Council (CCS). He is currently responsible for matters relating to police organization, reform and strategy. Colonel of the General Staff and deputy commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, Alexandre Vautravers has been editor-in-chief of the Revue militaire suisse (RMS+) since it celebrated its 150th anniversary of uninterrupted publication in 2006.
- [Christiano Zagari](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/christiano-zagari/): Christiano ZAGARI, Scholar, Founder of Semestre Europe (Italy)EU and International Affairs specialist. Editor and founder of the magazine Semestre Europeo (2010-2013). Former Nato Defence College fellow. Many experiences in international public and private bodies. PHD in International Relations.
- [Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/aymeri-de-montesquiou-dartagnan/): He occupied a number of positions in the French senates including the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Armed Forces, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Secretary of the delegation for the planning and sustainable development of the territory, Member of the Senate Foresight Delegation, Chairman of the France-Iran Inter-Parliamentary Group, President of the France-Kazakhstan Group. He was also the Chairman of the delegation for relations with China and Chairman of the delegation for relations with the Gulf States
- [Michelle Guillaume-Hoffnung](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/michelle-guillaume-hoffnung/): President of the Guillaume-Hofnung Institute for Mediation (IMGH), Michèle Guillaume-Hofnung is a senior professor of Law at Paris-Sud University, former vice-president of committee for the Human Rights and Ethical Issues at CNF/UNESCO, expert in ethics for UNESCO, vice-president of RED éthique a partner with the Cercle Éthique des Affaires (ethical think-tank for Business), and member of the UN liaison committee dedicated to decade of the education decade for Human rights.
- [Eleni Panayiotou](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/eleni-panayiotou/): Eleni Panayiotou is a Media Professional with over 15 years of experience, specialising in online and radio journalism. Has worked in defence journalism for online media and was Project Co-ordinator for DefenceMatters.org.
- [Dr. Angelos Kaskanis](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/dr-angelos-kaskanis/): Angelos Kaskanis holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Black Sea Studies of the Democritus University of Thrace. His field of research is Security Studies and the impact of International Terrorism in Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus. He has worked as a Research Assistant with the Municipality of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in Komotini; as a Project Assistant in Youth NGOs in Ankara; as a Project Coordinator for Youth NGOs in Athens and as a Project Coordinator with Save the Children/under UNHCR mandate in the islands of Kos and Leros, during the Humanitarian Crisis. He has also participated/co-organized several workshops in more than 20 countries that focus on Religious Extremism, Radicalization, Safety, and Security in Southeastern Europe, European Identity and Greco-Turkish Relations. Awards of academic excellence include scholarship from the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. He speaks Greek, English, Russian, German, and Turkish.
- [Thomas Charles](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/thomas-charles-2/): Thomas Charles is the Director of Tactics Institute For Security & Counter Terrorism. Mr Charles has a background in the UK parliament and has worked on Security and Counter Terrorism issues within the UK and European Contexts, with focuses on international relations and community-based security.
- [Yavor Raychev](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/yavor-raychev/): He is the author of several publications on terrorism, radicalization and hybrid war as well as the co-author of a book on women in the Islamic State. Yavor is a PhD student in international relations at the University of Granada. He has a Master’s degree in international relations from the University of Linköping. He works in the field of security, terrorism, foreign policy, international relations and hybrid war.
- [George Vișan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/george-visan/): He leads the security a program of Romania Energy Center (ROEC), a think tank that deals with energy and international relations issues. His expertise is European security, international security and Black Sea issues. George Visan holds an MA in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Bucharest and has been published in various Romanian and international publications.
- [Martin Sokolov](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/martin-sokolov/): He has worked on various security analysis projects in the context of the Sofia Security Forum, the Centre for the Study of Democracy, and the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies. Mr. Sokolov’s research is focused on hybrid threats, radicalization, and strategic communication. Mr. Sokolov holds an MA in International Relations and International Organizations from the University of Groningen and a BA in Politics and International Relations from the University of Hull.
- [Brigadier General Metodi Hadji-Janev](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/brigadier-general-metodi-hadji-janev/): is a military security analyst and an Associate Professor at the Military Academy General Mihailo Apostolski in Skopje, of the University of “Goce Delcev” in Stip, and an adjunct faculty member at Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU).
- [Alec Mally](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/alec-mally/): He is currently Director for Global Economic Affairs at Foresight Strategy and Communications, an Athens-based consulting firm, Director at the Institute for Regional Dialogue and Strategy (IPEDIS) an Athens-based think tank, as well as adviser for the Repower Greece public diplomacy initiative (www.RepowerGreece.com).
- [Dr. Galyna Zelenko](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/dr-galyna-zelenko/): Dr Zelenko is also Political Analyst and Head of Department of Theoretical and Applied Political Science of the I.Kuras Institute of Political and Ethno-National studies of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine. She specializes in political transition in the CIS, historical institutionalism, and electoral processes. Dr Zelenko holds a BA in History from the State Pedagogical Institute; an MA in Political Transitions from the Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies (NAS), and a PhD from the I. Kuras Institute of Political and Etho-National studies. She speaks English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish.
- [Christos Sarris](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/christos-sarris/): Sarris is the founder of Elusive Technologies, a high-end security research firm providing business-to-business and business-to-customer cybersecurity and risk management services to clients in the Eurozone economic area. In his role as a Chief Information Security Officer he leads cybersecurity research and threat analysis to develop a comprehensive portfolio of adaptive, risk-based behaviour models of cyber-attacks through the innovative application of machine learning Artificial Intelligence and anomaly detection techniques. His passion is to make cybersecurity debates accessible to wider non-technically savvy audiences. He also contributes to voluntary work to the Safe and Secure Online initiative.
- [Dr. Safet Music](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/dr-safet-music/): Music holds a PhD in religious extremism from the University of Serajevo. He also holds a BA in Security Studies, an MA in international law and terrorism as well as an MA in inter-religious studies and peace-building. He has also received training in NATO centers of excellence on terrorism and cybersecurity.
- [Tatyana Dronzina](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/tatyana-dronzina/): Dronzina is a lecturer at the department of Political Science of St. Kliment Ohridski, University of Sofia, Bulgaria. She is doctor habil and a full professor with research interests in the field of terrorism (specifically female suicide terrorism, gender and terrorism) and radicalization (specifically jihadist radicalization). Her publications in Bulgarian, English, Spanish, Russian, and Kazakh are based on ongoing field research in Central Asia and the Balkans.
- [Professor Felipe Pathé Duarte](https://tacticsinstitute.com/team/professor-felipe-pathe-duarte/): is Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Police Sciences, Internal Security. He is also Fellow at the Oxford University Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.

## Authors
- [Paul Attenborough](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/paul-attenborough/): Paul Attenborough is a specialist on economics and development with a background as an economic advisor having conducted many feasibility, research and economic appraisals for Government and commercial projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Eastern Europe as well as East and West Africa.  He hold a degree in Physiology and Psychology from Oxford and an MBA from Cranfield, studied at SOAS and is currently registered for a PhD at the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham where he is looking at the Political Economy of Development in the Levant.
- [Filotas Niarchos](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/filotas-niarchos/): Filotas Niarchos graduated from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Athens and completed his postgraduate studies at Queen Mary University of London in the field of international relations and politics. His master's thesis was on 'The Rise of Nationalism in the Balkans: The Case of Serbia - Croatia and Greece - Skopje'. He specializes in CSR, public relations and the environment. He has worked in the corporate affairs department of two of the largest telecommunications companies in Greece, and is the product development manager at the Nanotechnology company AMEN New Technologies.
- [Vasundhara Sirnate](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/vasundhara-sirnate/): Vasundhara Sirnate is a political scientist and journalist. She was formerly the Chief Coordinator of Research at The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy, India and a non-resident fellow with the Atlantic Council, Washington DC. She is also the creator of the India Violence Archive, a citizen’s data initiative aimed at recording collective public violence in India.
- [Giorgio Cafiero](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/giorgio-cafiero/): Giorgio Cafiero is the CEO of Gulf State Analytics, a Washington, DC-based geopolitical risk consultancy. He is also an adjunct fellow at the American Security Project.
- [Nasuh Sofuoglu](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/nasuh-sofuoglu/): Nasuh holds an MA in International Relations at the University of Sussex and is currently a PhD candidate in International Relations at the Kadir Has University. He mainly focuses on Security Studies and International Relations Theory.
- [Tony Willis MSc MBA](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/tony-willis-msc-mba/): Tony Willis  is UK based security and counter terrorism expert. He worked in the field of self protection training for over 20 years, he holds have an MSc in Counter Terrorism and a strong understanding of delivering in the corporate sector where for many years I worked at a senior level in large corporations regularly travelling on business.
- [Julian Richards](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/julian-richards/): Julian Richards is a Professor of Politics, and Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) at the University of Buckingham, UK. Prior to co-founding BUCSIS in 2008, Julian spent 17 years working for the British government in security and intelligence analysis and policy. He is the author of four books and numerous articles and chapters on various aspects of intelligence, global security, cyber-threats and issues concerning terrorism and counter-terrorism strategy. He has acted as a periodic advisor to the UK’s parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee on various aspects relating to intelligence policy and strategy; and is a frequent commentator in national and international media on a range of security issues.
- [Alexandros Sarris](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/alexandros-sarris/): Alexandros Sarris is a Senior Lecturer in International Law at Erasmus University College in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Alexandros has been trained in Europe and United States in International Law, International Negotiations and International Dispute Settlement with special focus in international conflicts that include among others Natural Resources, State Sovereignty, Responsibility of States and the implementation of International Agreements of all kinds.
- [Erwin van Veen](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/erwin-van-veen/): Erwin van Veen is a Clingendael Senior Research Fellow specialising in the relation between political order and tools of coercion, especially the role of hybrid armed groups in processes of state development. Erwin leads a team of five experts that researches conflict dynamics in the Middle East for ministries of foreign affairs, NGOs and international organisations. The team focuses on Syria, Iraq, Palestine and the Kurdish question with due attention to Iranian, Turkish and Saudi foreign policy. His previously served as peacebuilding and conflict specialist at the OECD (2010-2013), security and development advisor at the Dutch ministry of Foreign Affairs (2006-2010) and human resource business advisor at Shell (2003-2005).
- [Douglas London](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/douglas-london/): Douglas London is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Douglas is a retired, decorated, 34-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Clandestine Service. He has served as CIA Chief of Station, Director of National Intelligence Representative, and the President’s senior intelligence representative. He served across the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central Asia and a CIA subject matter expert on Iran, Counterterrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- [Maysam Behravesh](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/maysam-behravesh/): Maysam Behravesh is a PhD Candidate in Political Science at Lund University, Sweden, and an Analyst with the US-based geopolitical risk consultancy Gulf State Analytics (GSA). He worked as an intelligence analyst and security policy advisor in Iran from 2008 to 2010, and has published widely on Middle East security in academic, policy and media platforms.
- [Ilan Berman](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ilan-berman/): Ilan Berman is Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC. An expert on regional security in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Russian Federation, he has consulted for both the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense, and provided assistance on foreign policy and national security issues to a range of governmental agencies and congressional offices. He has been called one of America's "leading experts on the Middle East and Iran" by CNN. Mr. Berman is a member of the Associated Faculty at Missouri State University's Department of Defense and Strategic Studies. He also serves as a columnist for Forbes.com and the Washington Times, and as the Editor of The Journal of International Security Affairs.
- [James Pierson](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/james-pierson/): A journalist and author, James worked for over 10 years in Current Affairs television and documentaries, researching and producing films for Channel 4 Dispatches, PBS Television and National Geographic. In print, he’s penned articles for the Times Educational Supplement and the Times Higher Educational Supplement. James also has PR experience, working for three years as a Political Officer for Slough Borough Council where he advised local councillors on policy implementation and media relations.
- [Alexandra Watson](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/alexandra-watson/): Alexandra Watson is a freelance journalist covering U.S. politics and world news. She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in communication arts. Her experience has involved working for the United Nations and NBC News. She currently lives in the UK with her husband and two children.
- [Christopher Morris](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/christopher-morris/): Christopher Morris currently works for the university of Portsmouth, having previously worked for the institute of policing at Staffordshire University where he developed and taught range of courses. He has scholarly experience across law, social science and international relations. His research is centred around religious violence and international law. Having completed his PhD examining the ISIS conflict  in 2019, Chris has gone on to explore a range of topics exploring the impact that religious ideology has on the use of force.
- [Hannah Wallace](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/hannah-wallace/): Hannah Wallace has an MSc in Middle East politics from SOAS. She has worked for various NGOs and think tanks on issues relating to counter-terrorism, organised crime and regional security, with a particular focus on the Middle East. She also writes for a number of publications including The New Arab and The Jerusalem Post.
- [Sidgi Kaballo](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/sidgi-kaballo/): Associated professor at Ahfad University in Omdurman.
- [Ben Hunter](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ben-hunter/): Ben Hunter is a risk analyst at Northcott Global Solutions. He holds an MA in Conflict, Development & Security from the University of Leeds, and also taught English at Al-Ahlia and Al-Afhad universities in Omdurman, Sudan. He's interested in African and Middle Eastern politics, and motivated to try and understand how state-society formations function in a context of endemic violence.
- [Omer Faruk Sen](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/omer-faruk-sen/): Researcher at the University of Missouri whose work focuses on emerging powers, the surge of autocratic regimes, and Turkish political economy
- [Eleni Panayiotou](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/eleni-panayiotou/): Eleni Panayiotou is a Media Professional with over 15 years experience, specialising in online and radio journalism. Eleni sas worked in defence journalism for online media and was Project Co-ordinator for DefenceMatters.org. She is Commissioning Editor of Tactics Institute.
- [Brigadier General Metodi Hadji-Janev](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/brigadier-general-metodi-hadji-janev/): Brigadier General Metodi Hadji-Janev is a military security analyst and an Associate Professor at the Military Academy General Mihailo Apostolski in Skopje, of the University of “Goce Delcev” in Stip, and an adjunct faculty member at Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). BG Hadji-Janev specializes in legal aspects of countering asymmetric, cyber, and hybrid-based threats, with an emphasis on critical information infrastructure and critical infrastructure protection. He has served as a co-director of four NATO SPS projects at NATO’s Center of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism in Ankara (2011-2014) and as an academic course advisor designed for EUROCORPS in Strasburg (2015). BG Hadji-Janev is a graduate of the Macedonian Military Academy and the United States Air Command and Staff College. He also holds MA and PhD degrees in Law from “Justinian-I” in Skopje. In 2018 BG Hadji Janev was awarded the Legion of Merit Award by the US Defense Secretary, James Mattis, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements as a Macedonian Defence attaché in Washington DC.
- [Ruslan Trad](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ruslan-trad/): Security analyst with over a decade of experience with MENA, Balkans, and Turkey area studies expertise. He is the co-founder of De Re Militari Journal and author of “The Murder of a Revolution” (2017, on Syria) and co-author of “The Russian Invisible Armies” (2020, on mercenaries).
- [Ioannis Nikitas](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ioannis-nikitas/): Greek national security expert, General Manager at the Center of Strategic Studies and Director of the Defense Review Media Platform.
- [Athanasios I. Bozinis](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/athanasios-i-bozinis/): Assistant Professor of Global Political Economy of the University of Macedonia, specialising in Biosecurity. He was a Technology and Global Affairs Fellow at the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) of the University of Oxford and an Associate Fellow of EU Policies for New Technologies and Hybrid Threats at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS Europe) - Johns Hopkins University.
- [Dr. Angelos Kaskanis](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/dr-angelos-kaskanis/): Angelos Kaskanis holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Black Sea Studies of the Democritus University of Thrace. His field of research is Security Studies and the impact of International Terrorism in Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus. He has worked as a Research Assistant with the Municipality of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in Komotini; as a Project Assistant in Youth NGOs in Ankara; as a Project Coordinator for Youth NGOs in Athens and as a Project Coordinator with Save the Children/under UNHCR mandate in the islands of Kos and Leros, during the Humanitarian Crisis.
- [Verity Hubbard](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/verity-hubbard/): Verity Hubbard has a Master's Degree in Russian & Eastern European Politics from University College London and a BA in Theology from the University of Oxford. Verity has previously worked as a Security Analyst monitoring conflicts in the MENA region. She has also worked in think tanks in both London and Brussels as well as in the UK Parliament
- [Florian Schmitz](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/florian-schmitz/): Florian Schmitz, born 1980, is a German journalist and writer, based in Thessaloniki, Greece. He works as a foreign correspondent for Deutsche Welle and the public broadcasters of Germany. He focuses on Greece and the Balkans, minorities, human rights, and Europe.
- [Gwendoline Tarcy](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/gwendoline-tarcy/): Researcher with Tactics Institute For Security & Counter Terrorism
- [Dr. Jeffrey A. Stacey](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/dr-jeffrey-a-stacey/): Dr. Jeffrey A. Stacey was a State Department official in the Obama Administration. He is author of “Integrating Europe” and the forthcoming “Rise of the East, End of the West?” A lead UN consultant at present, he resides in Washington, D.C.
- [Michée DARE](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/michee-dare/): Michée DARE has worked for over five years as an economics and defence journalist.Michée i s the author of over one hundred articles on economic and defence topics. His articles are published by the largest African magazines including Jeune Afrique, AfriMag, Ressources magazine, Mining and Business Magazine, Afrique Agriculture and Forbes Afrique. Michée DARE is also a Phd student at Centre D’Études Diplomatiques et de Strarégie (CEDS), Paris. His research focuses on the evaluation of defence and security policies in West Africa, regionalisation processes, DDR processes, peacekeeping processes, as well as state-building issues.
- [Arvea Marieni](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/arvea-marieni/): Strategy and Innovation Advisor and Manager specialising in EU China environmental cooperation. International Corporate Affairs Manager with Brainscapital Srl (brainscapital.it) and Principal Consultant with GcM Consulting Srl (gcmconsulting.it).
- [Jamie Thomson](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/jamie-thomson/): Jamie Thomson has MAs from the University of Oxford and King’s College, London. Jamie is currently Senior Risk Analyst with Northcott Global Solutions. His previous experience includes the British Army (including security sector reform in Basrah, and police liaison in Banja Luka) and the security industry in both Dubai and London.
- [Chris Arning](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/chris-arning/): Chris Arning specialises in semiotics and cultural insight and he has 20 years experience working as a thinker, planner, qualitative researcher, and commercial semiotician. He was Head of Semiotics at Flamingo Research and set up Creative Semiotics - a boutique brand consultancy - in October 2010. Chris is co-founder of Semiofest, a Celebration of Semiotic Thinking and founded LinkedIn’s Semiotic Thinking Group. He has worked for clients as diverse as Radio Centre, Netflix, BMW Mini, GSK, Huawei, Ricola and UKTI. Chris led a highly strategic Humour analysis project for the BBC, one of his regular clients, which created a strong taxonomy now being used across the organisation; including for commissioning new comedy podcasts.
- [Vasyl Filipchuk](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/vasyl-filipchuk/): Foreign policy and Europe expert based in Ukraine. Mr Filipchuk is an acclaimed analyst, sought-after public speaker and participant in Chatham House and Wilton Park events. He is an experienced diplomat and author of the European Integration Strategy of Ukraine, approved by Presidential Decree in June 1998.
- [Dr Oleksandr Lytvynenko](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/dr-oleksandr-lytvynenko/): Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Ukraine. He holds the title of superannuated major-general and state official of the 2nd rank and is Merited Scientist and Technologist of Ukraine, and has received the Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine: the anniversary medal “25 years of Independence of Ukraine”.
- [Dr. Nickolay Kapitonenko](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/dr-nickolay-kapitonenko/): Nickolay Kapitonenko, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations of Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University. He’s also a Director to the Center of International Studies, and an associated expert with the International Center for Political Studies. He has been invited as a visiting professor to the University of Iowa, and was teaching at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Since 2015 Mykola has been co-editing UA: Ukraine Analytica. Mykola is an adviser to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy.
- [Octavian Manea](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/octavian-manea/): Octavian Manea is a journalist specialized on Euro-Atlantic security affairs. He is based in Bucharest.
- [Ioanna Iliadi](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ioanna-iliadi/): Ioanna Iliadi is a military journalist working across traditional and digital platforms and is currently Editor in Chief of ArmyVoice.gr. She is based in Athens.
- [Andrej Matisak](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/andrej-matisak/): Andrej Matišák works as a journalist and Deputy Head of the Foreign Desk in Pravda. He is based in Bratislava.
- [Sarah Raine](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/sarah-raine/): Based in Berlin, Sarah’s research focuses on the interplay between the rise of Asia and the future of transatlantic relations, with a particular emphasis on the responses of European powers.
- [Thomas Charles](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/thomas-charles-2/): Director of Tactics Institute For Security & Counter Terrorism. Mr. Charles has worked on Security and Counter Terrorism issues within the UK and European contexts particularly on the community impact of threats. He is also a commentator and writer on European and International affairs and an accomplished public speaker. Mr. Charles earned his B.A. in Politics and Economic & Social History with honors from the University of Leicester and his M.A. in International Politics from the University of Sheffield.
- [Fabrice Pothier](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/fabrice-pothier/): Fabrice Pothier is a French political expert and part of Emmanuel Macron's La République En Marche as well as a Chief Strategy Officer at political consultancy, Rasmussen Global. He is a former NATO director of policy planning and founding director of Carnegie Europe, an organisation which became one of Europe's leading think-tanks on foreign policy and strategic issues. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabrice_Pothier
- [Elif Eyuboglu](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/elif-eyuboglu/): Elif Eyuboglu is enrolled at the International Relations program of Koç University, specialising in security studies. As part of the Erasmus program, she spent a year at the Univeritat Auronoma, Barcelona. She has worked as an intern for the Embassy of Turkey in Tokyo and the Turkish Foreign Policy Institute. She is the youngest member of the International Relations Council of Turkey and the Women in Foreign Policy Association in Turkey.
- [Ritesh Kotak](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/ritesh-kotak/): Ritesh Kotak is a cybersecurity analyst and consultant. He has a decade of experience working with Canadian police agencies, co-leading the creation of the Cyber-Crimes unit and the Research and Innovation portfolio focusing on digital transformation. He has also worked on several international assignments. Ritesh transitioned to the private sector where he worked with different Fortune 500 tech companies on global projects related to cybersecurity, investigations and next-generation IoT applications for Smart Cities projects. In 2018, Ritesh was selected by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for their Emerging Leaders Executive 6 Program. In 2017, he completed an MBA with distinction at the University of Edinburgh with an exchange at Peking University in Beijing, China. He also holds a BBA from the University of Toronto.
- [Atdhe Lila](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/atdhe-lila/): Mr. Atdhe Lila holds an advanced LL.M degree in Law and Digital Technologies from the University of Leiden. His field of expertise varies from Privacy & Data Protection, Cyber Law and Security to EU Law and Regulatory approximation. He has worked as a Senior Legal Officer for the Government of Kosovo, where he assisted in drafting national laws/regulations and helped in EU legal approximation. He has also been a member of research teams primarily focusing on Disruptive Technologies, their risks and how to regulate them, harmonized with Cyber-Security and online privacy. Mr Lila has been employed by companies from all over the world including Germany, the UK, the US and Brazil.
- [Yavor Raychev](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/yavor-raychev/): He is the author of several publications on terrorism, radicalization and hybrid war as well as the co-author of a book on women in the Islamic State. Yavor is a PhD student in international relations at the University of Granada. He has a Master’s degree in international relations from the University of Linköping. He works in the field of security, terrorism, foreign policy, international relations and hybrid war.
- [George Vișan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/george-visan/): He leads the security a program of Romania Energy Center (ROEC), a think tank that deals with energy and international relations issues. His expertise is European security, international security and Black Sea issues. George Visan holds an MA in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Bucharest and has been published in various Romanian and international publications.
- [Martin Sokolov](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/martin-sokolov/): He has worked on various security analysis projects in the context of the Sofia Security Forum, the Centre for the Study of Democracy, and the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies. Mr. Sokolov’s research is focused on hybrid threats, radicalization, and strategic communication. Mr. Sokolov holds an MA in International Relations and International Organizations from the University of Groningen and a BA in Politics and International Relations from the University of Hull.
- [Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/aymeri-de-montesquiou-dartagnan/): He occupied a number of positions in the French senates including the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Armed Forces, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Secretary of the delegation for the planning and sustainable development of the territory, Member of the Senate Foresight Delegation, Chairman of the France-Iran Inter-Parliamentary Group, President of the France-Kazakhstan Group. He was also the Chairman of the delegation for relations with China and Chairman of the delegation for relations with the Gulf States
- [Michelle Guillaume-Hoffnung](https://tacticsinstitute.com/authors/michelle-guillaume-hoffnung/): President of the Guillaume-Hofnung Institute for Mediation (IMGH), Michèle Guillaume-Hofnung is a senior professor of Law at Paris-Sud University, former vice-president of committee for the Human Rights and Ethical Issues at CNF/UNESCO, expert in ethics for UNESCO, vice-president of RED éthique a partner with the Cercle Éthique des Affaires (ethical think-tank for Business), and member of the UN liaison committee dedicated to decade of the education decade for Human rights.