What is the role of the Sahara in modern-day conflict?

The Sahara, a vast desert spanning over 3.6 million square miles in North Africa, plays a complex role in modern-day conflict. The region has become a breeding ground for various groups involved in conflict, such as terrorist organizations, militias, and criminal networks, due to its harsh and remote terrain. The desert's porous borders have allowed for the trafficking of arms, drugs, and people, creating a lucrative market for criminal enterprises.

Additionally, the Sahara has been a source of tension between neighboring countries, with disputes arising over borders and access to resources such as water and minerals. The desert has also been a staging ground for military operations, as countries seek to combat terrorist groups and other armed factions operating in the region.

The ongoing conflict in the Sahara has had significant humanitarian consequences, with millions of people being displaced and vulnerable to violence, as well as facing extreme poverty and a lack of access to basic resources such as food and water.