ISSP gains rival JNIM in Sahel, eyes ISWAP link

The Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP) has grown exponentially in power, matching the progress of rival JNIM, according to a Soufan Center article by West African specialist Wassim Nasr. Both groups benefited from the departure of French forces from Mali and Burkina Faso, leaving a security gap Russia's Africa Corps has failed to fill. ISSP has consolidated territorial gains and evolved tactics to strike vital targets in uncontrolled territories, including West African capitals. The article notes recent ISSP efforts to link up with Nigeria's ISWAP, hinting at a unified ISIS movement. JNIM has become ISSP's main enemy in Mali, outpacing the Malian junta in containing the group.