The commander of U.S. forces in Africa sees a new trend in terrorist expansion in the vast Sahel region, saying what once was a raging forest fire of extremist activity has slowed.

Al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates have long been present in the uncontrolled space south of the Sahara, gaining territory and increasing attacks on local militaries, all within striking distance of Europe. The United States has provided logistical and intelligence support to the lead foreign military in the region, France. But with the death of Chad’s longtime president on the front lines and a year-old coup in Mali still prohibiting some U.S. support, uncertainty is rising again as terrorists look for an opportunity to advance.