Video Dark Dune 18. AFSOC aircraft conduct aerial refueling of French helicopters during Exercise Dark Dune May 2018. DoD

SOF Weekly Brief – August 10, 2026

August 10, 2026 John Friberg 0

This week’s SOF News update covers leadership changes in Ukraine security assistance, proposed protections for special operations personnel, international exercises, SOF history, conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, emerging technology, Afghanistan, veterans’ issues, and selected reports, commentary, podcasts, and videos from across the national security community.

10th Dive Training July 2026

SOF Weekly Brief – August 3, 2026

August 3, 2026 John Friberg 0

This week’s SOF News Update covers senior U.S. defense and intelligence appointments, special operations developments, the Iran and Ukraine conflicts, emerging military technology, strategic competition, and global security affairs. It also marks the Extortion 17 anniversary and highlights SOF history, veterans, commentary, and upcoming events.

Dronebuster

Drone Monthly Update – July 2026

July 31, 2026 SOF News 0

July’s drone developments highlighted the accelerating shift from experimentation to combat employment. U.S. forces used one-way attack surface vessels, while Ukraine expanded deep-strike operations against Russian energy and logistics networks.

CV-22 from the 8th Special Operations Squadron flies over the Emerald Coast outside Hurlburt Field. (AFSOC photo).

SOF Weekly Brief – July 27, 2026

July 27, 2026 John Friberg 0

This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting SOF, IW, intelligence, and national security during the past week. Some stories in this update include a new PSYOP unit for Africa, an essay on SOF in 2040, testosterone treatments for SOF members, how technology is shaping the future of SOF in the Pacific, and SOCKOR CoC.

B-52 Refueling

SOF Weekly Update – July 13, 2026

July 13, 2026 John Friberg 0

This week’s SOF News Update covers the NATO Summit in Turkey, renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine’s campaign against Russian logistics, the resurgence of Somali piracy, emerging special operations technologies, and the latest developments affecting national security, intelligence, and irregular warfare worldwide.

U.S. Attacks on 7 July 2026

CENTCOM Launches Retaliatory Attack on Iran (7 July 2026)

July 7, 2026 SOF News 0

The United States launched strikes against more than 80 Iranian military targets after attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington also revoked temporary sanctions relief, signaling a return to economic pressure as tensions with Tehran escalate once again.

Flight Deck USS Abraham Lincoln

Iran Continues Hormuz Attacks Despite Ceasefire

May 8, 2026 John Friberg 0

This past week, Iran attacked U.S. naval vessels, commercial shipping, and facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The “Freedom Project” has been suspended. A 30-day ceasefire is under consideration. Iran continues to resist giving up its control of the Strait of Hormuz, enriched urainian, or its nuclear program.

31st MEU Boarding Party Middle East 2026

Epic Fury Update – May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026 SOF News 0

This update on Operation Epic Fury provides an update on the ceasefire, negotiations, the naval blockades, economic impact, and CENTCOM briefing to the president. The war cost thus far: $25 billion, crude oil up to $124/barrel, carrier leaves Middle East, and an effort to form a coalition named “Maritime Freedom Construct”.

USS Abraham Lincol (CVN 72)

Operation Epic Fury Update – April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026 SOF News 0

An update on Operation Epic Fury – the U.S. – Iran conflict. While a ceasefire is still in effect there is a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by both Iran and the U.S. Negotiations are at a impasse and there are significant economic impacts around the globe.

5th SFG(A) Dive Requalification

SOF Weekly Brief – April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026 SOF News 0

Weekly intelligence-style brief covering global SOF activity, Iran conflict developments, maritime security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, emerging irregular warfare trends, and strategic competition updates. Includes analysis of drone warfare, influence operations, and international special operations force developments affecting the global security environment.

U.S. strikes Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

U.S. Attacks Iran Nuclear Sites

June 22, 2025 SOF News 0

U.S. Forces Strike Iran. B-2 “Spirit” bombers and 30 submarine launched Tomahawk missiles were used against three Iranian nuclear facilities in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025 (local time). The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant was attacked by six […]