Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: A U.S. Green Beret assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) adjusts his android tactical assault kit prior to conducting a high-altitude, low-opening freefall insertion during Exercise Radiant Shield on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 23, 2026. (Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jillian Hix)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. DoD has launched ‘Agent Networks’ for AI-enabled battle management and targeting. The CIA is embracing AI and other technologies as it sees the fields of espionage and warfare going through rapid transformation. A SOF planners guide to protection of maritime infrastructure encompasses three elements. The Iran-U.S. negotiations remain inconclusive. Missile and drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate.
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Key Outlooks
- Denmark Now Commands NATO’s SOCC-NW
- The world is less peaceful for 12th year running
- Ukraine is continuing its long-range strike campaign against Russian energy infrastructure
- Russia is continuing its strikes against Ukrainian cities
- Iran continues to see the Strait of Hormuz as the best leverage it has in negotiations with the U.S.
- Modeling future SOF coalition in the global network of partnerships
SOF News
SOF and Protecting Maritime Infrastructure. A Romanian SOF officer argues there are three factors to consider for special operations forces to successfully protect maritime infrastructure. He examines case studies from Norway, Israel, and Nigeria. “Capability is Not Enough: Why Authority Decides Whether SOF Protect Critical Maritime Infrastructure”, by Ciprain Clipa, Small Wars Journal, July 1, 2026.
MFF School’s New Cdr. The Military Freefall School (MFFS) located at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), welcomed a new commander on the morning of June 26, 2026. Outgoing Commander Maj. Matthew Morneault, who held the position since 2024, relinquished command to Maj. Truett Hickam. “Military Freefall School welcomes new commander”, DVIDS, June 29, 2026.
Denmark Now Commands SOCC-NW. Denmark has assumed the lead for NATO’s regional headquarters for special operations in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. It will lead and coordinate the Special Operations Component Command North West. SOCC-NW is subordinate to Joint Force Command Norfolk and will plan, coordinate, and lead special operations in close cooperation with NATO commands and allied nations. “Denmark Takes Over NATO’s Regional Special Operations Headquarters”, Nordic Defense Sector, July 3, 2026.
SOCOM Contract for RF CM System. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Clifton, New Jersey, is being awarded a $613,974,867 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H9224126DE001) comprising a mix of firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract line items for contractor logistics support of the Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures system in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 procurement; and fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance, funds in the amount of $40,743,234 are obligated at time of award. This award is a non-competitive contract in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulation 6.302-1. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
SOF Coalition Building in a New Era. The threats that the U.S. and its allies face move too fast and complex to rely on ‘just-in-time’ force generation. The U.S. military must a embrace a technology-driven framework that assesses allied SOF readiness across three dimensions to build highly lethal, warfighting-ready coalitions. “The End of the ‘Just-in-Time’ Coalition: Global SOF Readiness”, The War Room, Army War College, July 2, 2026.
20th SFG(A) in Trojan Footprint 2026. Green Berets with U.S. Army 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and special operations forces soldiers with the Greek and North Macedonian armies trained in a maritime exercise during Trojan Footprint 2026 at Skaramangas Naval Base, Greece, May 14, 2026. Trojan Footprint 2026 enables participating NATO Allies and partner SOF to integrate their unique capabilities into seamless multi-domain and joint-combined operations.
The Elite MFPU of the Coast Guard. Established in 2007, the MFPU is a specialized single-mission unit dedicated to providing strategic in-transit security escorts for Navy ballistic missile submarines as they transit U.S. territorial waterways until they slip silently beneath the waves. There are only two MFPUs in the U.S. — one at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington, and the other at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia — to coincide with the two bases that support the Navy’s fleet of ballistic missile submarines. “Guardians of the Deep: An Inside Look at the Elite Submarine Protection Coast Guard Unit”, DoD, July 1, 2026.
SOF History
On July 9, 1941, the First Special Service Force was officially activated.
https://armyhistory.org/first-special-service-force/
On July 11, 1941 the Coordinator of Information (COI) was established. President Franklin Roosevelt appointed William J. Donovan to head a new civilian office attached to the White House. The office was an intelligence and propaganda agency of the US government.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Coordinator_of_Information
On July 8, 1961, the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was activated in Birmingham, Alabama.
On July 9, 1961, teams of Green Berets began organizing and training tribesmen in the Central Highlands of Vietnam into the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG). The CIDG program was devised by the CIA in early 1961 to counter expanding Viet Cong influence in South Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Beginning in the village of Buon Enao, small A Teams from the U.S. Army Special Forces moved into villages and set up Area Development Centers. Focusing on local defense and civic action, the Special Forces teams did the majority of the training.
National Security and Commentary
DoD’s ‘Agent Network” for Battle Management and Targeting. The Department of Defense has launched “Agent Network”, a key element of the DoD’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Acceleration Strategy. The Agent Network employs advanced, AI-enabled tools to compress the time it takes to turn intelligence into informed options for commanders around the world. The new capability will transform battle management, decision support, and targeting. “DOW Unleashes ‘Agent Network’ to Transform AI-Enabled Battle Management and Targeting”, U.S. Department of Defense, June 25, 2026.
A “Master List” for the ODNI. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has asked federal intelligence agencies to turn over the names of foreign intelligence targets, potential recruits, and people that the U.S. agencies suspect are spies. The new acting director, Bill Pulte, has no intelligence experience, and some national security observers are worried on how he would handle this information. The is concern that sensitive information that is normally compartmentalized could be damaging to operational security as well as hamper recruitment for sources in the future.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Iran Intent on Running SoH. Constricted traffic patterns, escalating warnings, uncertain mine threats, and a new drone attack all suggest that Tehran has no intention of willingly going back to business as usual in the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of diplomatic breakthroughs. “Iran Is Still Intent on Preventing a Return to the Old Navigational Order”, Washington Institute, June 26, 2026.
Demining SoH. Clearing the busy international waterway of mines is a complex challenge that will take time and international coordination. Some estimates put the number of mines in the strait at about 80. The type of mine is likely the Maham 3 and Maham 7 high-explosive blast mines. It is estimated that Iran had about 5,000 to 6,000 mines before the war. In addition, it is believed that Iran has retained over 80% of its small boats and minelaying vessels. Learn more in “Why demining the Strait of Hormuz will be difficult – but also presents an opportunity”, by Nitya Labh, Chatham House, June 26, 2026.
The MoU – a Critique. If the MoU is followed through, Iran stands to gain over $300 billion. This is reminiscent of the 2015 nuclear deal but at three times the price. The money comes in the form of an economic reconstruction fund, sanctions relief, expanded oil exports, and unfrozen assets. At the same time, it allows Iran to provide its terror organizations and proxy groups (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, Iranian-aligned Iraqi militias and others)the biggest injection of funds in a generation. A richer Iranian regime means a more violent one, the West and regional Gulf nations will need to beef up their security. Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative member of the British parliament and distinguished fellow of the Hudson Institute provides his perspective. “The not-so-hidden costs of giving Iran $300 billion”, The Washington Post, July 2, 2026. (subscription)
Ship Attacked in Red Sea. A commercial vessel was attacked 30nm of south-west Hodeidah (Al Hudaydah) according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMOT) Centre report. The cargo vessel triggered a distress alert stating that they were under attack by unknown armed assailants. Yemen’s Houthis are suspected of attacking the vessel. (map above derived from CIA map – click here for larger view of map) In an unrelated incident, fighting broke out between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi backed, internationally recognized government. The government suffered 14 troops killed while the Houthis a much larger number of fighters.
42nd Inf Div Cmd Team Heads Home. Maj. Gen. Jack James (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Arnold Reyes (right), the 42nd Infantry Division command team, cased the division’s colors during the Task Force Spartan transfer of authority ceremony June 6 in the Middle East. The New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division headquarters served as the command for the Army’s Middle Eastern combat element during Operation Epic Fury. The last of 500 New York National Guard Soldiers who deployed to the Middle East with the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division returned to New York from their active-duty deployment at the beginning of June. The Soldiers mobilized at the end of May in 2025 to serve as the command headquarters for Task Force Spartan, the Army’s 10,000- Soldier force in the region. The New York National Guard Soldiers were deployed in this role when President Donald Trump made the decision to launch hostilities against Iran under the code name Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026.
- References for Epic Fury:
- Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury, Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, Kharq Island, maps, ISW interactive map, OEFU Casualties, and CRS reports.
Ukraine Conflict
Russia launched one of its heaviest missile and drone attacks on Kyiv with many hitting residential targets. Ukraine has run low on Patriot interceptors so the interception rate has declined alarmingly. Ukraine is continuing its strikes on Russian energy and military infrastructure – severely disrupting parts of Russia’s internal fuel supply. Ukraine is also hitting the logistic supply lines for the Russian frontlines and for Crimea.
Putin has embarked on an information operations campaign to convince D.C., western capitals, and the Russian population that Russia is winning in Ukraine and that eventually Ukraine will negotiate an end to the conflict resulting in victory for Russia. What his forces fail to achieve on the battlefield he is attempting to gain through info ops.
Cost of War – Two Million. A new study has found that more than two million Russian and Ukrainian troops have been killed or wounded since Russia invaded Ukraine over four years ago. Russia has borne the heavier toll with over 450,000 killed; Ukraine’s deaths are about 125,000 to 150,000. “Troop Casualties in Ukraine War Top 2 Million, Study Finds”, The New York Times, July 1, 2026. (subscription)
- References:
- Weapons of Ukraine, Study of War Daily Report, Euromaiden Press Daily Report, Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (UNCN).
- Maps: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Institute for the Study of War and Critical Threats, Ukraine Maps by National Security Info, War in Ukraine by Scribble Maps.
Intel, IO, Cyber, AI, IW, Technology
CIA and AI. The Central Intelligence Agency has created a new division that will focus on cybersecurity and advanced data that will speed up the agency’s timeline for integrating new technologies like artificial intelligence. “CIA to accelerate its use of AI, other advanced technologies”, The Washington Post, June 30, 2026. (subscription)
Dead Drops in the Cyber Age. The logic behind the age-old spycraft of physical dead drops — to eliminate personal, observable contact between a source and handler—translates into contemporary mediums like cyber operations. Russian intelligence services have demonstrated this with salience, encoding institutional doctrine with a digitally refined version of the analog dead drop. “Zero-contact Spycraft: Tracing the Evolution of the Dead Drop into Cyber Operations”, Grey Dynamics, June 28, 2026.
Strategic Competition
The West – Losing the Cognitive War. “The West has been losing most disastrously in the realm of institutional capacity. During the Cold War, the United States had imperfect and serious instruments of ideological competition: the U.S. Information Agency, Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Sovietology programs, cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy networks, intelligence cooperation channels, and working groups devoted to exposing active measures. These tools were constrained by law, accountability, bureaucratic fragmentation, and the American discomfort with propaganda. They gave Washington a language of struggle and a capacity for response.” Read more in “The West is Losing the Cognitive War Russia Never Stopped Fighting”, by Irina Tsukerman, Homeland Security Today, July 1, 2026.
CRS Report – Critical Minerals and Seabed Mining. The Congressional Research Service has issued a report on critical minerals in the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). This federally managed ocean area extends from the outer boundaries of state-controlled waters (generally 3 nautical miles [nmi] from shore) to 200 nmi from shore, with some exceptions. Experts estimate that 43 of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’s) 2025 list of 60 critical minerals occur on the OCS. Read Seabed Mining for Critical Minerals on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf: Issues for Congress, CRS R48302, updated July 2, 2026, PDF, 33 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48302
CRS Report – NATO’s July 2026 Ankara Summit.Heads of state and government from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO’s) 32 members are scheduled to meet for a summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8, 2026. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has outlined three core priorities for the summit: continuing to increase allied defense investment, bolstering transatlantic defense industrial production, and supporting Ukraine. In Ankara, allied leaders also are expected to address President Donald J. Trump’s criticisms of NATO and concerns from some NATO members about the impact on NATO political cohesion and alliance credibility. CRS R49018, July 2, 2026, PDF, 17 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R49018
Russia Arms LNG Carier in Baltic. Images released by Estonia reveal machine guns and sandbags mounted on a Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas carrier in the Baltic Sea. This is an attempt by Moscow to protect its civilian fleet. The surveillance images show that machined gun positions were placed on the bridge roof of the Marshal Vasilevskiy – a vessel that has Kaliningrad as its home port. Armed guards are common on vessels transiting seas where pirates are active – such as off the coast of Somalia; but not so much in the Baltic Sea (map NSI). Nine suspected shadow fleet oil tankers – linked to Russia – have been seized across Europe since the start of the U.S.-Iran War, the latest on June 26, 2026 by France. “Estonia images show machine guns on Russian LNG carrier in Baltic”, Reuters, June 30, 2026.
World Cup and International Competition. Folarin Balogun, a USA striker, was issued a red card that would have knocked him out of the next game the USA plays (against Belgium). However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has suspended the red card he received during the Round 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the first time a red card in the World Cup has been overturned since 1962 when Garrincha was sent off in the semis – a series of bribes got his card overturned. Some social media reports say that the White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card. The Belgian soccer federation is demanding an explanation from FIFA about the decision to let U.S. forward Folarin Balogun play at the World Cup despite getting a red card in his previous game. (X) See also “Trump urged FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension before star was cleared for World Cup”, The Washington Post, July 5, 2026. (subscription)
China Grows Presence in Africa’s Maritime Infrastructure. China’s growing integration in Africa’s maritime infrastructure presents opportunities and risks, requiring strategic management by African governments to preserve autonomy, diversify partnerships, and advance the public interest. “Beyond Ports: China Embeds Itself in Africa’s Maritime Networks”, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 10, 2026.
Analysis of Foreign Leaders. David Maxwell, a retired SF officer, provides an interesting observation on how the U.S. national security staff should conduct and document an analysis of key adversaries. These would include the Iranian leaders, the Kim family of North Korea, or Putin of Russia. Maxwell presents a document on Mao conducted in 1972 that prepared President Nixon for his historic meeting with Mao of China. “Was the U.S. National Security staff right about Mao in 1972?”, UPI, June 29, 2026.
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.
Around the World
Report – The Islamic State’s Growing Footprint in the Sahel, by Wassim Nasr, an issue brief provided by The Soufan Center, June 2026, PDF, 16 pages. The Islamic State (IS) has been active in the Sahel region for more than a decade and has entered a new phase as it seeks to consolidate its territorial control in the region. Since 2022, the strategic goal of IS has been to consolidate its two most powerful affiliates in Africa, the West Africa and Sahel Provinces. Sahel states and the West need to counter the group by severing the links between West Africa and the Sahel province and working to contain terrorist violence in a region engulfed by jihadist activity and a war between al-Qaeda (AQ) and the IS affiliates.
Report – New Chapter, Same Stalemate: Somalia’s War with Al-Shabaab. The Somali government’s battle with Al-Shabaab militants grinds on, with neither side being able to gain a decisive advantage. To improve its battle against the militants, Mogadishu needs to bolster its military and alleviate civilian suffering in areas under insurgent control – all the while keeping the lines of communication open with the group. Report by Crisis Group, June 30, 2026.
Report – Global Peace Index 2026. The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) has published its annual report that measures the sate of peace and armed conflict around the world. There are now more active state-based conflicts than at any point since the end of the Second World War. This edition of the GPI ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. Iceland comes out on top as the most peaceful nation in the world.The report is in PDF form and is 125 pages long.
Russians Take Losses in Mali. A offensive by the FLA Tuareg rebels is underway in Mali (location map NSI) and some Russian troops have been attacked suffering losses. News reports indicate that a Russian ‘Africa Corps’ Mi-24 attack helicopter has been shot down. Much of the action is taking place around Anefis.
Mali Rebel Offensive. Insurgents attacked several towns across Mali this past Saturday (June 4, 2026) targeting army bases. The attacks were mounted by the FLA Tuareg rebels and the jihadist JNIM. One location of a major attack took place in GAO – a large city in the northeast. Both groups stage a major attack in Mali this past April (SOF News).
UAE’s Support for RSF. The Untied Arab Emirates is continuing to support the Rapid Support Forces that are engaged in a years-long fight against government troops in Sudan. Much of the UAE support is funneled through eastern Libya. “Inside the Secret Network Fueling Sudan’s War”, Lighthouse Reports, June 29, 2026.
Veterans Corner
Denied VA Claims to Get Another Look. A class action lawsuit involving tens of thousands of veterans whose disability appeals were erroneously closed by the Department of Veterans Affairs will be heard in federal court this summer to determine whether a proposed settlement agreement is fair and reasonable. “Thousands of veterans’ disability claims erroneously denied on appeal will get another look”, Stars and Stripes, June 29, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Video – The British SAS Unit that Stayed in Rhodesia and Fought on When London Said Stop. A history of the Special Air Service (SAS) squadron of Rhodesia. British War Archives, June 23, 2026, 38 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWyiMFuw7oQ
Video – Honoring SFC Pedro Munoz (SF). Enduring Legacy: Green Berets Honor Sgt. 1st Class Pedro A. Munoz at Camp “Bull” Simons, DVIDS, June 9, 2026, 2 minutes. U.S. Army Soldiers, family members, and veterans of 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) gather to unveil a bronze bust honoring Sgt. 1st Class Pedro A. Munoz during Red Empire Week 2026 at the Memorial Rock Garden on Camp “Bull” Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 9, 2026. The ceremony celebrated Munoz’s extraordinary service, sacrifice, and lasting impact on the unit. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Jacob Bradford
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1011632/enduring-legacy-green-berets-honor-sgt-1st-class-pedro-munoz-camp-bull-simons Read more about SFC Munoz in “Enduring Legacy: Green Beret’s Courage Celebrated at Camp “Bull” Simons”, DVIDS, June 9, 2026.
Video – Exercise Deep Strike. Green Berets with the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), U.S. Special Operations Command Europe conduct the second iteration of special operations deep strike lanes at Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 25 to May 2, 2026, to enhance force readiness in complex and geographically denied environments. The pivotal training initiative integrates cutting-edge technologies to ensure U.S. Special Operations Forces and NATO forces maintain an operational advantage and collective defense. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Skylin Simpson)
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1011170/exercise-deep-strike-2
Infantry. The Summer 2026 issue of Infantry can be found online with several informative and interesting articles. DVIDS, PDF, 98 pages. https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_77206.pdf
Sentinel. The monthly issue of the Sentinel by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association is now online. Articles of interest include:
- Book Review of From OSS to Green Berets: the Birth of Special Forces
- Eight Reasons Military Veterans Should Write
- Evolution of the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha
- Special Forces and Operation Noble Obelisk (1997)
- SOCAFRICA and Strategic Imperitive
Book Review – The Unvanquished. Patrick K. O’Donnell’s The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations is his thirteenth published book. In it, O’Donnell recounts Union intelligence gathering during the American Civil War and the covert actions between the Jessie Scouts (Union) and Mosby’s Rangers (Confederate). Journal of Military and Strategic Studies, June 25, 2026.
https://jmss.org/article/view/84325/59190
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