Starlink: A Double-Edged Sword in Conflict Zones

Over the past couple of years, a concerning pattern has emerged. Various photos and videos shared on social media platforms have illustrated the use of Starlink terminals by militant factions. Such revelations have understandably raised alarms among regional governments and international partners, who are now grappling with this evolving challenge.

A notable instance comes from Le Monde, which reported that in June 2024, a video surfaced showing a Starlink device—its unmistakable white satellite dish perched on a tripod—being utilized by members of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda. In this footage, filmed during an operation in Mali’s Gao region, JNIM fighters were engaged in a firefight with militants from the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). It’s chilling to think that such powerful technology, originally designed to enhance connectivity, is now in the hands of groups intent on spreading violence and chaos.

Similarly, last year, the Nigerian military reported the discovery of Starlink devices in the insurgent-controlled Sambisa Forest, a stronghold for the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group. This discovery culminated in a tense confrontation: under the banner of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian troops eliminated a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, Tahir Baga, recovering a Starlink terminal alongside mobile phones and an array of weapons. How is it that these cutting-edge tools, meant to connect people, are being strained to support operations that threaten public safety?

According to counterinsurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama, the trend is alarming. Reports based on intelligence analysis, social media monitoring, and direct field observations have indicated that armed factions across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad are increasingly deploying Starlink kits to enhance their communication capabilities. This brings us to a pivotal question: Are we witnessing a technological revolution that inadvertently enables those who wish to do harm?

Militants Gain Connectivity Amid Starlink’s Growth

The rise of Starlink presents a paradox. On one hand, its growth signifies a leap forward in connectivity and potential economic development. On the other hand, analysts are quick to affirm that such growth also emboldens insurgent and terrorist groups. For instance, operatives from factions like JNIM and the Islamic State in West Africa are reportedly leveraging the satellite network for live-streaming propaganda, real-time coordination of attacks, and evasion of surveillance, in turn, heightening their operational capabilities.

Unlike traditional internet infrastructure—which is frequently disrupted or entirely absent in unstable or remote regions—Starlink offers high-speed, portable, and encrypted internet access with little risk of detection. This aspect alone makes it an attractive tool for anyone seeking to manipulate communication to their advantage, highlighting a significant flaw in how we approach internet governance in turbulent areas.

A troubling risk analysis bulletin published on May 12 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) confirms the unease surrounding this issue. Jihadist groups like JNIM and ISWA have been exploiting Starlink’s portable, high-speed connectivity to enhance their operations—a telling sign that our regulatory frameworks are lagging behind technological advancements. Are we prepared to address the repercussions of this oversight, or will we continue to witness the proliferation of militant connectivity?

Reports from Nigerien security forces corroborate these concerns, revealing the seizure of Starlink terminals during counter-terrorism raids in the Tillabéri and Tahoua regions. With a constellation of approximately 8,800 low-orbit satellites, Starlink can provide internet access even in the most remote locales—a feat that conventional land-based infrastructure fails to achieve, reaching only 37% of the continent.

Loopholes Enable Militant Connectivity

The issue is compounded by regulatory blind spots. Many of the terminals employed by these groups are either smuggled into conflict zones or acquired through third-party resellers in neighboring countries, many of which have lax controls. For instance, Mali—where JNIM was recently observed using Starlink—does not officially recognize the service. Yet, video evidence confirms its usage as early as June 2024. What does this say about the state’s ability to control technology within its own borders?

This highlights a broader trend: Starlink’s services are being utilized across various African countries without formal governmental approval, particularly in conflict-prone regions such as Mali and parts of Niger. The technology facilitates access via smuggling and unregulated cross-border trade, with potential consequences that could echo for years. With Starlink expanding its footprint across the continent, experts are urgently advocating for policy interventions aimed at regulating satellite internet access in these volatile zones. If left unchecked, might we be inadvertently nurturing a persistent enabler of asymmetric warfare?

It’s a complex issue, one that requires thoughtful discussion and immediate action. As we move forward, we must ensure that the benefits of technology do not come at the cost of safety and security. The implications are profound, and as we ponder the dual-edged nature of such innovations, one cannot help but ask: Where do we go from here?