Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: B-52 Refueling during combat flight supporting Operations Epic Fury on March 26, 2026. CENTCOM Facebook.
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. Some big news coming out of Ankara, Turkey – the site of the recent NATO Summit. Somali piracy is ramping up again – but the measures to curtail it are no longer in place. Ukraine appears to have regained operational momentum against Russian forces. The U.S.-Iran war remains strategically inconclusive, the MoU is of questionable value, and the Strait of Hormuz is still mostly closed. President Trump has declared the U.S. ‘Guardian of Hormuz’, has reinstated the Iran blockade, and proposes a 20% cargo fee. Trump has notified Congress that the war is back on, gaining 60 more days to attack Iran.
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Key Outlooks
- NATO Summit reshapes alliance priorities
- SOF for 2040
- Smartphone Apps for SOF
- Royal Marines in the High North
- UKCF Now Lead for SOMTG
- Iceland on Trump’s Mind . . . again
- Decline of ODNI
SOF News
“Operator is the Platform”. Four authors collaborate on an article that examines how Special Operations Forces (SOF) should assess, select, and qualify operators for the operating environment of 2040. It maintains that in SOF the operator is the platform. This first article (one of four) establishes the conceptual foundation. “Assessing Special Operations Forces (SOF) 2040 (Part I): The Operator is the Platform”, Small Wars Journal, July 13, 2026.
Pararescue Team Saves Fisherman Out at Sea. Members of the 129th Rescue Wing jumped to a fishing ship and stabilized an injured crewman overnight while the ship reached land and a hospital. The injured fisherman had “traumatic injuries” and was two days sailing from medical attention. The PJs jumped from an HC-130J Combat King II and traveled hundreds of miles south to the site of the boat. “Pararescue team parachutes in 700 miles out at sea to save a fisherman’s life”, Task & Purpose, July 11, 2026.
AFSOC Implements VR Training for ATC. The 1st Special Operations Wing introduced virtual reality air traffic control simulator training, marking a significant shift in how Air Force Special Operations Command prepares controllers. The goal for the new VR equipment is to reduce time spent in upgrade training, close proficiency gaps and maintain mission readiness capabilities across AFSOC. “Hurlburt releases VR training for air traffic controllers”, DVIDS, July 9, 2026.
SOF and Smartphone Apps. Smartphone apps are a valuable tool that can be provided by Special Operations Forces (SOF) to civilian populations and guerrilla forces in order to better “arm” to take action, as well as to acquire data for kinetic and non-kinetic SOF responses. “Citizen Sensors: Crowd-Sourcing sUAS Intelligence using Smartphone Apps – A New Tool for Special Operations”, Small Wars Journal, July 13, 2026.
Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. Navy SEALs. The Navy is deploying its SEALs to Trinidad and Tobago on Foreign Defense Missions. “Navy SEALs Deploy to Trinidad and Tobago to Help Counter Drug Trafficking into the U.S.“, SANDBOXX News, July 10, 2026.
SOCKOR Cdr Promoted to Maj. Gen. The commander of Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR) was promoted to Major General on July 7, 2026. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Derek N. Lipson (bio PDF) pinned on his second star during a ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys. Lipson is the commander of both SOCKOR and the United Nations Command Special Operations Component.
Operation Neptune Spear and a Dog Named Cairo. During the attack on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan “Cairo” searched for explosives and hostile movement the buildings that housed Osama bin Laden. “War Dogs: More Than a Weapon”, NCO Journal, July 10, 2026.
U.S. SOF Buys Havoc Spear. USSOCOM awarded Leidos a $27.2 million contract modification on behalf of USSOCOM for AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile production rounds. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an expected completion date of February 26, 2029. The Havoc Spear, sometimes known as the Black Arrow, gives special operations planners a single airframe capable of covering multiple mission profiles. The missile can launch from a number of platforms. The design of the Small Cruise Missile is compatible with the MC-130J Commando II, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and the OA-1k Skyraider II light attack aircraft. “U.S. special forces buys Havoc Spear cruise missiles”, defence-blog.com, July 9, 2026.
JSOC and WMD. For more than three months, a Joint Special Operations Command task force has been standing by in the Middle East, prepared to execute what some observers describe as one of the most dangerous mission the command has ever been assigned: recovering highly enriched uranium from underground facilities in Iran. “Iran WMD Raid: Inside JSOC’s Most Challenging Mission Yet”, The High Side, July 6, 2026. (subscription)
Transitioning to Special Operations. An Army E7 decided that Army special operations was where he belonged for the remainder of his service. He was torn between going Special Forces or Civil Affairs. He took the CA route. Read is story in “Soldier’s Transition to Special Operations: It’s Never Too Late”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), July 8, 2026.
International SOF
UKCF Now Lead for SOMTG. As of July 1st J Coy, 42Cdo UKCF have taken over as lead for Special Operations Maritime Task Group (SOMTG) as part of NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF).
Royal Marines in the High North. The Royal Marines are reshaping UK maritime strategy in the High North, countering Russian threats and advancing NATO objectives for regional security. This article analyzes the evolving operational role of the UK Commando Force, highlighting the need for specialized agile units to address modern security challenges in the Arctic and Norwegian Sea. “The Royal Marines in the High North: Shaping the Maritime Battle”, The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), July 9, 2026.
Russians Work With Seychelles SOF. The country’s president visited its SOF unit, received a briefing on its training and capabilities, and took part in a ceremonial handover of four K9s donated by the Russian Federation. “President Reviews Special Operations Unit Capabilities During Continued Security Engagements”, statehouse.gov.sc, July 9, 2026.
Thales Wins NATO SOF Contract. NATO has selected the Thales-Leonardo consortium to deliver a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system for the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM). The contract covers the delivery of and training for six deployable headquarters capabilities for SOFCOM, known as Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC). Designed to be rapidly deployable and scalable, the DPOPs will allow NATO to tailor communications support to missions ranging from small forward elements to deployed headquarters. “Thales-Leonardo Wins NATO Special Operations Deployable Communications Contract”, The Defense Post, July 9, 2026.
SOF History
On July 22, 1940. SOE Charter approved, formed from Section D, MI(R), and EH.
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 U.S. government. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Coordinator_of_Information
On July 20, 1942. First Special Service Force officially activated.
http://www.firstspecialserviceforce.net/history.html
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 17, 2007, the RSTB was established.
National Security, Commentary, and NATO Summit
Trump on Iceland . . . Again. At the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Monday (July 7, 2026) President Trump once again said that Iceland should be controlled by the U.S., not Denmark.
Trump on F-35s for Turkey. At the NATO Summit President Trump opened up the possibility of selling F-35s to Turkey. However, there is a sticking point that may not allow that to happen. Section 1245 of FY2020 NDAA prohibits the transfer of F-35s to Turkey as long as they possess Russian-made S-400 air defense systems.
CRS Report – U.S. Army and the Golden Dome. The Golden Dome for America (Golden Dome)—initially known as the Iron Dome for America—refers to an integrated homeland air and missile defense system being developed by the Department of Defense (DOD). On January 15, 2026, NORTHCOM established Joint Task Force (JTF)-Gold led by Army Lieutenant General Sean Gainey, who also serves as commanding general of ASMDC. JTF-Gold and ASMDC are co-located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. Reportedly, in fall 2025, the Army approved the transfer of the 32nd and 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Commands from the then Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and Army Northern Command to ASMDC. By placing JTF-Gold under the ASMDC commander, the ASMDC commander reportedly becomes “the operational lead for Golden Dome activities in support of NORTHCOM, while also giving that headquarters control of the Army formations most directly tied to domestic air and missile defense.” Congressional Research Service, CRS IF13264, July 8, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Current Situation. President Trump says the ceasefire is “over” but he is willing to continue talks with Iran. Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz (map) has declined significantly due to the recent attacks by Iran on commercial shipping transiting the strait. The U.S. and Iran continued trading blows last week and into the weekend. Iran has attacked commercial shipping in the strait using the ‘southern route’ as well as U.S. installations hosted by Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar. The U.S. has responded almost every day with attacks on air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage and launch sites, and other military installations and targets. Read a timeline of activities in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz:
https://www.national-security.info/events/epic-fury/timeline-epic-fury.html
Different Versions of “The Strait is Open”. Iran claims the Strait is open only along the Iran-designated northern route. CENTCOM’s latest statement says that traffic is flowing and the Strait is open. MarineTraffic’s verified shipping data over the past 24 hours directly contradicts CENTCOM – fewer than five merchant ships completed transit – all via Iran’s northern route.
Latest Trump Announcements. President Trump has announced that the Iran blockade of Iranian shipping has been reinstated, that the U.S. would assume the title of “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait”, and that all cargo transiting the waterway will pay the U.S. a 20% fee to cover costs of providing security. Many of the operational details for the fee remain unknown. (gCaptain, July 13, 2026)
Oil Prices. While the MoU was in effect prices of oil went down. Now that hostilities have resumed the Brent crude prices have climbed back up by about 5 percent. Fertilizer supplies are down due to the Strait closure.
The Navy has identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, Commanding Officer of HSC-5, as the sailor lost after an MH-60S emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea on July 1. His crew survived. Search efforts were suspended July 5 after 102+ hours. No hostile action is indicated.
60 More Days. President Trump has notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed military strikes against Iran. This provides the Pentagon an extra 60 days to utilize CENTCOM forces without congressional approval.
Airpower Worked in Iran. Retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula argues that the use of airpower in Epic Fury succeeded in its military mission. “Airpower Did Not Fail in Iran – Simplistic Thinking Did”, 1945, July 8, 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
Russian Vessels Attacked in Sea of Azov. On July 7, 2026, ten Russian vessels were struck in the Sea of Azov (map SOF News). The targets included 8 sanctioned shadow-fleet fuel tankers. The ships are attempting to deliver fuel to Russian-occupied Crimea in Ukraine. The land-based logistics supply line to Crimea has been severely disrupted by long-range Ukrainian drones. On July 8, 2026, Ukraine struck another nine Russian tankers in the Sea of Azov. Over the past week Ukraine has attacked over 90 vessels in the Sea of Azov.
Targeting of Russian Logistics. A series of sustained and coordinated attacks on Russia’s military supply lines in recent weeks are shutting down the supply chain of the Russian military. “Ukraine’s Logistics Targeting Raises Questions for Russia’s Rear Defences”, RUSI, July 7, 2026.
Patriots and Ukraine. Over the past few months the supply of Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine has dwindled and Russian ballistic missiles are causing havoc in Ukrainian cities. Public pressure has mounted on the U.S. to resume the shipping of Patriots to Ukraine. On July 7, President Trump announced that the U.S. would grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles. Over the long-term, this is very helpful. But over the short-term, it does not solve the immediate problem of the Russian ballistic missiles hitting Ukrainian targets.
Cabinet Changes. President Zelensky has announced a reshuffle of his senior leadership. The Prime Minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko, will be stepping down. Other changes are on the horizon.
CRS Report – U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine Since 2022, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12040, updated July 10, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12040
- 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
CRS Report – Controlling Advanced Artificial Intelligence: Executive Order 14409 Explained. CRS IF13268, Congressional Research Service, July 9, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13268
Robots: Are Humans Needed on the Battlefield? Maj. Manuel Atiles writes about how unmanned systems – ground robots and aerial drones – are attacking Russian positions in Ukraine without humans on the ground. He asks the question “If machines can increasingly conduct the most dangerous aspects of combat, what ultimately determines whether those actions produce meaningful outcome?” Read his thoughts on this topic in “The Human Domain in an Autonomous Age”, Special Warfare Journal, July 9, 2026.
NRO Director Departs. Christopher Scolese, the director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has left the NRO. He served as director since 2019.
The Decline of ODNI. The decline of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s effectiveness, analytic rigor, and political neutrality is deleterious for the nation’s security. But it is also unsurprising. “Gradually, and Then Suddenly: The Decline and Fall of ODNI“, Lawfare, July 7, 2026.
Army Restricts Social Media Accounts. The U.S. Army is consolidating its official social media presence, drastically slashing the number of allowable accounts and ordering commanders to remove newly-unauthorized accounts. The new policy limits official social media accounts to a set list of higher-level organizations, effectively ending the digital footprints of many subordinate units. “Army orders mass shutdown of official social media accounts”, Army Times, July 9, 2026.
Strategic Competition
Report – Civil Defence in Europe: An Initial Assessment. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has revived interest in civil defense concepts, with particular attention to Nordic ideas of total defence and strategic importance of a whole-of-society approach. This new report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) assesses the principal approaches to and the challenges for advancing modern civil defense in Europe. (PDF, 56 pages)
NATO Summit in Turkey. One key aspect of the NATO Summit recently held was that European defense capabilities continue to strengthen even as political cohesion within NATO faces new challenges. This article highlights eleven topics of note about the recent summit. “Eleven takeaways from the NATO Summit in Ankara”, Atlantic Council, July 9, 2026.
- European allies showed progress toward 5 percent GDP for defense
- Article 5 was underscored
- Allies committed $50 billion to defense industry
- Iran was on the agenda
- Ukraine came away with big wins
- Trump talks of F-35 deal with Turkey
- Trump brings Greenland back into the spotlight
- Spain sustains attacks from Trump
- Indo-Pacific countries were left in limbo
- Trump moves to de-list Syria as state sponsor of terrorism
- Albania’s summit next year is on hold
U.S. Influence in Europe to Decline? As Europe becomes more independent of U.S. military assistance Washington may find it will have less control over strategy, defense spending, and intelligence priorities. The influence of the United States may diminish over time.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Intel. Catherine Marie Abbott writes on how Russia uses sanctioned shadow fleet vessels to work with Russian intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets. Some of the ships crews have been identified as part of Russia’s military while others are associated with Russian private military companies (PMC). Russia’s acquisition of ghost vessels is continuing in an upward trend. These shadow vessels use tactics such as AIS data manipulation, ship-to-ship transfers, reflaggings, name changes, falsified vessel documentation, shell corporations, and other tactics. “Covert Maritime Intelligence and Russia’s Shadow Fleet”, CIMSEC, July 13, 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
Somali Pirates. Numerous recent pirate attacks, especially the hijacking of three merchant vessels off the Horn of Africa, are a stark reminder that the conditions for resurgence can return quickly. It took years of sustained, coordinated effort by multinational naval coalitions, the shipping industry, and international organizations to get rid of pirates in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. However, Somali piracy is now re-emerging once again, but the 2011 counter-piracy model is gone. “Somali Pirates are Back – But the Coalition That Beat Them Isn’t Coming”, War on the Rocks, July 8, 2026.
Sahel Update. Mali’s escalating crisis reveals how state failure, insurgency, and resource competition are all related. The withdrawal of Western forces has empowered militias and jihadists. Read about it in “Sahel collapse: State partition, rising militias and risk to Europe“, Geopolitical Intelligence Services, July 10, 2026.
Veterans Corner
Veterans Act. Veterans organizations are deeply divided over the new Veterans Act being considered by Congress. While there are new benefits coming to veterans in the new bill, it also is cutting back on VA disability ratings such as sleep apnea and tinnitus. This has evolved into one of the most significant policy disagreements among major veterans organizations in recent years. Most of the bill will expand or improve programs affecting caregivers, survivors, veterans’ healthcare, military retirement, and disability compensation. The reduction of sleep apnea and tinnitus disability payments would offset the new improvements for veterans. “How veterans groups came to clash over a sweeping VA benefits bill”, Military Times, July 10, 2026.
Upcoming Events
July 21-22, 2026
Critical Minerals & Rare Earth Elements Conference
Reston, Virginia
IWI and SOAA
July 24, 2026
Production: 11 Days
Task Force Pineapple
Southern Pines, NC
July 25, 2026
27th Annual Delphinus Engineering Allen Stone Braveheart Memorial Races
Navy SEAL Foundation
Virginia Beach, VA
August 1, 2026
20th Annual Major Jeffrey Toczylowski Foundation Memorial Golf Outing
Green Beret Foundation
Warminster, PA
August 2, 2026
Stars & Stripes Classic
Green Beret Foundation
Columbus, OH
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
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 Imperative
Video – SOF Week Tech. News systems seen at SOF Week 2026 include one-way drones made of lightweight material and a camera you can throw into a room for a full-spectrum view. Military Times, July 10, 2026, YouTube, 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSiUeXmwVI0
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