Articles

With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine well into its third year, Russian strikes have reached unprecedented levels. Despite Russian engagement with peace efforts, CIR analysis reveals that so far 2025 has seen some of the highest levels of destruction and civilian harm since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Footage posted online show that unarmed individuals in Gaza and the West Bank have been shot at since the outbreak of the recent conflict in October 2023, with CIR's analysis uncovering a wider pattern of incidents.

Evidence links a reported airstrike that killed more than 20 civilians, wounding dozens more, to the Myanmar Air Force

One year on from the Southport and Bondi Junction knife attacks, CIR researchers explore the narrative trajectories that emerge in the wake of violence, and the implications of what is left unsaid.

A new CIR documentary has uncovered the location of a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) military camp in the desert of Sudan’s neighbour, Libya. A vehicle that was found in the camp was matched with a vehicle used in the violent takeover of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people, in North Darfur. We also found a direct link between the RSF camp in Libya and a senior RSF commander.

A new CIR documentary has uncovered the location of a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) military camp in the desert of Sudan’s neighbour, Libya. A vehicle that was found in the camp was matched with a vehicle used in the violent takeover of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people, in North Darfur. We also found a direct link between the RSF camp in Libya and a senior RSF commander.

In the central Sahel, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) have solidified their presence in Mali, and are increasingly active in Niger and Burkina Faso. CIR's investigation indicates these groups have also penetrated further into coastal West Africa. As VEOs battle to consolidate their presence, it is civilians who pay the price.

As Sudan's civil war continues, Sudan Witness verified footage corroborating the reported killing of 31 people in Omdurman by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April, underscoring the continued threat of violence against the Sudanese population.

Several videos filmed by mobile phones and military drones appear to show individuals – alleged to be Palestinian – blindfolded, handcuffed, tied to vehicle bonnets and dressed in military attire.

With international media unable to report on the ground from Iran, social media and other open sources provide critical insight into the unfolding situation – but AI images and misinformation are also widespread.

On 13 April 2025, two Russian ballistic missiles struck central Sumy City in quick succession, marking the highest loss of civilian life in a single incident verified by CIR since October 2023.

CIR launched the Digital Investigation Academy in October 2024 to teach UK university students open source (OSINT) skills, open career pathways, and facilitate opportunities for real-world impact. Here we reflect on the inaugural programme.