Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.
Photo / Image: U.S. Air Force personnel jump out the back of an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) over Djibouti, May 9, 2023. The 81st ERQS is a rapidly deployable combat search and rescue force that can conduct tactical air refueling, airdrop and airland of personnel and/or equipment during day or night operations in support of combat personnel recovery within Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Irvin)
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SOF News
SOF, Space, and the Polar Regions. The U.S. is in strategic competition with China and Russia forcing transformation of special operations forces. Along with this transformation there is a need to consider the space domain as well as the polar regions. This article proposes “two enhanced roles for combined SOF in the competition sphere” – as Space Joint Terminal Attack Controller (SJTAC) function and the concept of “reverse” security force assistance. Both of these “roles” converge in the Arctic region where special operations forces will require space-based capabilities as well as expertise in operations in the “High North”. The authors of this article describe how SOF will be a “space enabler” and how the Nordic countries will help U.S. SOF with assistance and expertise in conducting missions in the Arctic region in a “reverse SFA” role. “Space and Ice: Envisioning Special Operations Forces’ Role in Future Operational Environments”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, July 24, 2025.
CJSOTF-10, Ukraine, and Strategic Lethality. Spencer Meredith III provides a detailed explanation of how Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force 10 organized the advising and training effort prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and afterwards. “Building Strategic Lethality: Special Operations Models for Joint Force Learning and Leader Development”, Joint Force Quarterly, 2025, PDF, 12 pages.
SF and Philosophical Foundations. Col (Ret) David Maxwell describes how the SF soldier is not just a skilled practitioner of unconventional warfare but also a statesman-philosopher. “Statecraft, Strategy, and the Special Forces Soldier: The Philosophical Foundations of Unconventional and Political Warfare”, Small Wars Journal, July 22, 2025.
Russia’s PMC Vega. A Russian private military company formed in 2011 has been busy advancing Russia’s geopolitical interests in the Middle East and in Africa. Learn more in an article by Alec Bertina entitled “Vega Strategic Services: PMC Vega”, Grey Dynamics, July 21, 2025.
Former Navy SEAL Released by Venezuela. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Wilbert Castaneda was released in mid-July after being detained in Venezuela for nearly a year. “Former Navy SEAL accused of being part of CIA plot freed from Venezuela”, Task & Purpose, July 22, 2025.
Military Advising. The Pentagon is dismantling one of the U.S. military’s most effective tools at a time that advising is becoming increasingly important in today’s contemporary operating environment. Military advising has had many successes (and failures) and it needs substantial changes in order to be more consistently effective. Military advising is a cheap but effective way to strenghten security partners and preserve U.S. interests around the world. Plans to deactivate two of the Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) are a step in the wrong direction. “How to Reform Military Advising”, Lawfare Blog, June 29, 2025.
SAS Secrecy Tightens Up. The UK Ministry of Defence has issued new guidance to regimental associations that has advice on how to avoid security breaches in publications. “MOD Warns Regimental Associations After Data Breach”, Forces News, July 24, 2025.
Cutting SFABs: A Bad Decision. In May 2025, DOD announced it was planning to cut two of the Army’s six security force assistance brigades and downsize the Security Force Assistance Command. This action ignores the history of ad hoc advisory efforts and how the SFABs were designed to professionalize the advisory efforts of the U.S. Army. SFABs shape the battlespace before, during, and after a conflict and have strategic value. Read more in “The Consequences of Cutting the Army’s Security Force Assistance Capability”, Modern War Institute at West Point, July 22, 2025.
Preparing Advisors for Conflict . . . and Time. Maj Robert Rose is a member of the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade. He has cited the advisor experiences of the Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG) during the Korean War to argue that time is the limiting factor in advisor effectiveness. It takes time to develop a relationship with a partner force and to learn about the country where the advising is taking place. “Awake Before the Sound of the Guns”, Military Review, May-June 2025.
SOF History
Started in July 1943, the 7th Amphibious Scouts trained in jungle survival, unarmed combat, reconnaissance, and shoreline sketching.
On July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, ending the Korean War. About 37,000 Americans lost their lives, 92,000 were wounded, and 8,000 missing. DoD News.
On July 30, 1994, elements of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the 325th Airborne Infantry (82nd) land at the Rwandan capital of Kigal to secure the airport for an international aid effort as days of tribal conflict ensued.
Ukraine Conflict
Spies and Kyiv. Ukraine occupies a critical space in the constant battle between the intelligence agencies of the west and of Russia and its allies. The traditional intelligence operations involving human interaction, to some extent, have been supplanted by methods of advanced cyber warfare. Ukraine is at the center of this transformation. During the Cold War, Berlin served as the battleground of intelligence operatives. Now, decades later, Kyiv has emerged as the battleground for espionage. The battle is less tradecraft and more digital – both cyber and narrative. “Kyiv as the New Berlin: Ukraine’s Role in Modern Espionage Conflict”, Small Wars Journal, July 22, 2025.
Report – How Russia Fights. A compendium of Troika observations on Russia’s Special Military Operation. The 166-page tract covers how Russia has fought from February 2022 to June 2024 in Ukraine. Published by the United States Army Europe and Africa, this report covers several topics: command & control, movement & maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, protection, and more. Available at this link.
Ukraine’s SOF Selection Process. Before you enter the Ukrainian qualification course for special operations you must pass ‘selection’. This is a week of relentless tests and assessments. Training doesn’t take place during selection – survival is the main activity for the potential Ukrainian special operators. The test are physical and psychological in nature. If one passes selection then he goes on to the four-month long qualification course. “Inside the Rigorous Selection Process for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces”, United24 Media, July 22, 2025.
National Security and Commentary
Report on SOUTHCOM. The Congressional Research Service has published a three-page report on U.S. Southern Command. USSOUTHCOM is responsible for command and control of U.S. military forces, contingency planning, and security cooperation across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Read more about the background, mission, organization, components, budget, and primary challenges of SOUTHCOM in Defense Primer: U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), CRS IF13067, updated July 21, 2025.
Robotics Education is Essential. The Ukraine war has demonstrated the importance of drones on the battlefield. A lesser known activity is taking place on the ground. Resupply of troops, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance by ground unmanned robotic vehicles. Colonel Kevin Bradley argues that the time is now to invest in education and training tailored to robotic integration. “Fighting with Robots: The Time to Prepare is Now”, Modern War Institute at West Point, July 10, 2025.
No More Think Tank Conferences for DOD? Apparently the Pentagon seems to think that senior defense officials and military leaders should not take part in conferences where defense issues are discussed. The Pentagon has suspended participation in all think tank and research events. This will sideline the military leaders from participating events where they could present their views to the national security establishment (both government and academia) and educate the public on national security issues. “Pentagon suspends participation in think tank events”, Politico, July 24, 2025.
Report on Army Transformation Initiative. The Congressional Research Service has published a report on the 2025 ATI Force Structure and Organizational Proposals. The intent of ATI is to “implement a comprehensive transformation strategy, streamline its force structure, eliminate wasteful spending, reform the acquisition process, modernize inefficient defense contracts, and overcome parochial interests to rebuild our Army, restore the warrior ethos, and reestablish deterrence.” (July 22, 2025, PDF, 18 pages)
https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R48606/R48606.1.pdf
Questions on SECDEF Hegseth. The recent refusal of Pete Hegseth to promote a senior Army officer is an example of his style of leadership since taking over the Department of Defense. Mistrust of senior military officers have defined much of the defense secretary’s first six months on the job. In addition, Signalgate and not being in synch with the president on weapons transfers to Ukraine have raised questions on whether Hegseth is suited for leading a large, multifaceted organization the size of DOD. “A Clash Over a Promotion Puts Hegseth at Odds With His Generals”, The New York Times, July 26, 2025. (subscription)
Information Operations and Hybrid Threats
Coordinated Action Against Hybrid Threats. The European Union (EU) and nations in the Indo-Pacific have issued a warning about hybrid threats from both Russia and China. The EU is recognizing that it has security interests in the Pacific region as well and is endorsing a coordinated global response. Russia operates not only in Europe but across the globe. China’s activities go beyond the Pacific – into Africa, the Americas, and other regions of the world. There are indications that the Asian nations and European nations will further their coordination and cooperation in opposing the world-wide hybrid threats posed by Russia and China. “Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific united in response to hybrid threats”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), July 21, 2025.
AFree App for Africans. Baktibek Batyrkanov, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AFree, announced the introduction of a mobile application that will provide social networking and communications capablities in countries like Kenya, Cameroon, Morocco, and others. It includes features such as instant messaging, calling, video comms, social media, and more. There are some online sources that infer that AFree is associated with the African Initiative news agency which has been described as part of Russian propaganda efforts. “AFree App launches operations in Kenya”, KBC.co.ke, September 12, 2024; “How Russia resorted to cleverly messaged communications targeting Africa after Wagner”, The Standard (Kenya), July 11, 2025; and “AFree Sparks Namibas Tech Future”, New Era Live, June 28, 2025.
Report – AI and Influence. The RAND Corporation did a 48-page study on using generative artificial intelligence to improve the U.S. Department of Defence influence activities. July 2025.
PSYOP and Some History. Military strategist have long used PSYOP that weaponizes fear, confusion, and deception to outwit the enemy. Here are seven historical examples where psychological operations was used to great effect. “7 Brillant Acts of Psychological Warfare in History”, History.com, July 23, 2025.
Strategic Competition
Russia’s Eyes on Svalbard Worries Norway. Russia is stepping up its Arctic efforts, challenging Norway’s control over Svalbard (Google Maps). It is reviving its former settlements on the island. The United States puzzling stance on the acquisition of Greenland (for U.S. and Greenland’s security) has opened the door for an emboldend stance by Russia on an island in the Arctic Sea. Svalbard is situated midway between the North Pole and Norwegian mainland. The island has a strategic location which offers a good position for monitoring Russian access routes into the Atlantic Ocean and the interdiction of Russia’s Northern Fleet on the Kola Peninsula. Russian political pressure on Norway is likely to increase; but how far it goes will depend on the Trump administration. “Norway under pressure in the Arctic“, by Stefan Hedlund, Geopolitical Intelligence Services (GIS), July 14, 2025.
Russian Intel Ops in UK. HUMINT and cyber activities are a central focus of Russian intelligence activities in the United Kingdom. Espionage operations conducted by Russian intelligence organizations are posing a variety of hybrid threats. “Russian Intel Ops in the UK: Spy Rings, Cyber Targeting, Wagner Assets”, by Daneil Blanco Paz, Grey Dynamics, July 25, 2025. (subscription)
Beijing Transforming Indo-Pacific. China’s increasing military activities and economic influence in the Pacific region is transforming the regional security landscape. Beijing has been growing its military ambitions which extend well beyond the South China Sea. Its navy is presenting new challenges to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States maritime positions and strategy. Its military exercises are extending beyond Taiwan and into Oceania. In the southwest Pacific China’s naval activities have alarmed Australia and New Zealand; particularly some live-fire naval drills in the Tasman Sea located between Australia and New Zealand. “China’s military expansion toward the Southwest Pacific and Oceania”, by Riley Walters, Geopolitical Intelligence Services, July 15, 2025.
USAID Gone, So Is “Soft Power”. The demise of the U.S. Agency for International Development has seen a drastic reduction in medical assistance and food aid across many of the troubled areas of the world. This is resulting in greater instability in many areas of the world and a loss of U.S. influence. “Six months later, US soft power feels effects of USAID cuts”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), July 28, 2025.
U.S. Steps Back and Rivals Fill the Gap. As the United States is cutting back on foreign aid and its public messaging activities, its adversaries are stepping up filling the gaps and expanding their influence. Russia and China are both taking advantage of this ‘soft power withdrawal’ by the U.S. “Surrendering the Narrative: How U.S. Cuts to Soft Power are Empowering Rivals”, Intelbrief, The Soufan Center, July 23, 2025.
SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.
Asia
Another Conflict Brewing? Cambodia and Thailand (Google Maps) may be on the brink of war due to an ongoing disputed border situation that has lasted many decades. Both countries have closed their borders and started moving troops. Some social media accounts state that rocket attacks and airstrikes have taken place in the past several days. This most recent dustup appears to revolve around the Ta Muan Thom Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site controlled by Thailand but claimed by Cambodia. Thailand’s military is larger, better-funded, and more advanced – especially in air and naval capabilities. In a future large-scale conflict, Thailand’s superior military capability would very likely prevail.
CRS Report – Taiwan: Defense and Military Issues, The Congressional Research Service has published a paper on Taiwan’s security situation, China’s ‘gray zone’ activities targeting Taiwan, U.S. support for Taiwan, and U.S. strategy and policy. IF12181, July 25, 2025.
Kachin State and the Myranmar Revolution. Micheal Martin provides some commentary about the ongoing fight between rebel forces and Myranmar’s government forces. In this article he concentrates on the fight for Kachin State led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). “The Importance of Kachin State to Myanmar’s Revolution”, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), July 22, 2025.
Middle East
Iran’s Militia Allies – Rearming Taking Place. Over the past year or more Iran has seen its proxy forces in the Middle East reduced in influence as a result of Israel military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other alled organizations. The rebuilding process is taking place to reestablish and reinforce these proxy forces – key elements of Iranian hybrid warfare in the region. “Iran is Moving to Rearm Its Militia Allies”, The Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2025.
Food Aid in Gaza. One of the primary vehicles for food distribution inside Gaza is via a U.S. and Israeli-backed operation. The private sector endeavor is heavily criticized by traditional humanitarian non-governmental aid organizations as well as the United Nations. Karen DeYoung and Cate Brown explore the origins and back story of how this food distribution arrangement, with some former SOF personnel involvement, evolved and its current status. “The for-profit companies behind Israeli-U.S. nonprofit Gaza aid plan”, The Washington Post, July 21, 2025. (subscription)
Africa
Wagner Group a Terrorist Group? Should Russia’s Africa Corps and Wagner Group be designated as a terrorist organization? The debate on this topic in the United States and Europe is ongoing. A recent paper explores this debate in detail. Read Justifications, (Dis)Advantages and Implications of Designating Proxy Actors: The Case of the Wagner Group/Africa Corps, by Tanya Mehra and Meryl Demuynck, International Centre for Counter Terrorism (ICCT), July 2025, PDF, 29 pages.
Hungarian Advisors to Chad – On Hold. Plans for the deployment of 200 military trainers from Hungary to deploy to Chad are currently being stalled due to internal domestic politics. “Deby’s Presidency stalls Hungary’s military deployment to Chad”, Military Africa, July 24, 2025.
Al-Shabaab’s 2025 Offensive. The insurgent group’s momentum in southern and central Somalia continues largely unchecked. It now controls a strategic triangle across central Somalia, enabling it to encircle government positions and sever supply lines. “Al-Shabaab’s 2025 Offensive and the Unraveling of Somalia’s Federal Counterinsurgency”, Intelbrief, The Soufan Center, July 24, 2025.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Pub – Resilience and Resistance: Interdisciplinary Lessons in Competition, Deterrence, and Irregular Warfare, Joint Special Operations University Press, PDF, 576 pages, July 18, 2025.
https://jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/284
CTC Sentinel. The July 2025 issue by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has been posted online. Topics include drone terrorism, online radicalization of lone attackers, and escalation of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/july-2025/
Book Review – Training for Victory: U.S. Special Forces Advisory Operations from El Salvador to Afghanistan. Frank Sobchak’s book of SF advisory efforts is reviewed by Wyatt Thielen in Small Wars Journal, July 25, 2025.
SOF News Book Shop
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Upcoming Events
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