U.S. general warns of Sahel-based threats to US homeland

The Sahel has become the global epicenter of terrorism, with factions expanding rapidly and developing the capability to strike the United States, General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, warned on Thursday, according to ABC News. Speaking before Congress, Langley said al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM has quadrupled in size since 2022 and now controls large areas of Burkina Faso.

The warning follows rising instability in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military regimes are cutting ties with Western allies and aligning with Russia. Langley criticized the U.S. withdrawal from a key drone base in Niger, calling it a setback to counterterrorism efforts.

The general urged greater engagement in Africa to counter growing threats and foreign influence, noting extremist groups are “gaining capacity” and ambition. The remarks come as Washington reassesses aid and military commitments across the continent.