Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) walk towards the water during annual dive requalification training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 12, 2026. Special Forces Combat Divers requalify each year to maintain proficiency in waterborne infiltration, a capability that allows teams to reach objectives inaccessible by land or air. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Landon Carter)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. The Iran War heats up again, diminished interceptor inventories create increased risk, and Yemen threatens shipping once again. A former Navy SEAL is named to a high-level Navy position. SOCPAC has a new commander. Ukraine changes out military leadership and continues to hit Russian shipping.
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Key Developments
- Clashes erupt in Yemen between pro-Houthi and pro-PLC tribes
- Former SF soldier gets extended prison sentence at Fort Leavenworth
- USMC’s Ground Combat Element (GCE) 2040 Initiative
- China shipping up to 400 shoulder-fired SAMS to Iran
- Iran War casualties and fuzzy math
- Trump backtracks on Patriots for Ukraine
SOF News
SOAA. Five years ago the Special Operations Association of America was founded. SOAA exists to ensure that the voices of special operations forces (SOF) personnel can be heard in the realms of policy and public opinion. Five years later, SOAA continues to conduct that mission on multiple levels. The organization advocates for the needs of SOF personnel and veterans in Congress, supports efforts to care for SOF veterans during and after service, shares the stories of SOF service members and veterans, and has recently launched its own unique SOF-focused transition program. Read more about SOAA in “Why SOAA Exists: Looking Back Five Years”, SOAA, July 27, 2026.
Former Navy SEAL is now a Deputy Under Secretary of Navy. John Cremins has been officially named as the new deputy under secretary of the Navy for intelligence and security (DUSN I&S). The former Navy SEAL officer and defense technology executive will serve as the Navy’s principal civilian adviser on intelligence, counterintelligence, security, sensitive activities, special operations, irregular warfare, policy, oversight, and resource allocation across the department.
Special Forces Trust. For more than a decade, the Special Forces Trust has worked to support the unique needs of Green Berets and their families as they serve at the tip of the spear in locations around the world. Among the most utilized facets of their programming is a suicide prevention effort that “fills the gap between the military and health care” systems. Read more in “Special Forces Trust Bridges Gap in Suicide Prevention Efforts”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), July 29, 2026.
GSOF Scholarship for Norwich University. SGM Marcel Kaniak is the first recipient of the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation Scholarship at Norwich University. The scholarship provides full tuition to select international special operations personnel pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. The initiative aims to strengthen professional education, strategic thinking, and interoperability throughout the global SOF community. Read more in “Creating the Path: Norwich’s First GSOF Scholar Looks Toward the Future”, Norwich University, July 2026.
Former SF Soldier Gets Extended Prison Sentence. Mason Wollersheim, a former 10th Special Forces Group staff sergeant, was convicted in January 2025 and was sentenced to 28 months in prison. In April 2025 he attempted to escape prison but was caught. “Soldier-inmate gets more than 2 years added to sentence for attempted escape from prison”, by Rose L. Thayer, Stars and Stripes, July 28, 2026.
‘Silkies’ or ‘Ranger Panties’. Hanging’ around the teamroom in ‘silkies’ during the work day or off duty was common practice ‘back in the day’. At one time they were issued as PT gear with the Army, and perhaps other services as well. The iconic SOFFE nylon shorts are still available (Amazon) and offered in a variety of colors. “Still Available, SOFFE Silkies”, Soldier Systems, August 2, 2026.
SOCPAC CoC Ceremony. On July 31, 2026, Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rose assumed command of Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey A. VanAnttwerp during a change of command ceremony at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
10th SFG(A) Divers Requalify. Combat divers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently completed their annual combat diver requalification training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. SF dive teams need this type of training to be capable of executing maritime infiltration missions into contested coastal areas. “U.S. 10th Special Forces Group Green Berets Requalify Combat Divers for Covert Maritime Missions”, Army Recognition, July 28, 2026.
International SOF
Choppers for French SOF. Airbus Helicopters has officially delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). This new variant of the NH90 TTH was designed specifically for special operations. “Airbus delivers first NH90 designed for special operations to France“, Vertical Magazine, July 30, 2026.
Podcast – UK’s WWII Commandos. This podcast hosted by Kyle Atwell of the Irregular Warfare Initiative explores the creation of Britain’s legendary commando force following the military disasters of 1940. Author Monty Halls and retired Lieutenant General Scott Howell trace how a remote house in the Scottish Highlands became the laboratory for a new kind of warrior – one selected for grit, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to operate independently under extreme pressure. “Innovation Under Fire: What WWII’s Commandos Teach Us About War and the Future of Special Operations”, IWI, July 21, 2026, 50 minutes.
SOF History
On August 2, 1962, Co D, 7th Special Forces Group (A) departed Fort Bragg for Panama.
On August 2, 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. President Bush ordered the U.S. military to begin Operation Desert Shield on August 7, 1990. In January 1991, Operation Desert Storm was launched – the liberation of Kuwait and invasion of southern Iraq.
On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was shot down by the Taliban resulting in 38 deaths (30 Americans and 8 Afghans). There were no survivors. Among the U.S. fatalities were Navy SEALs who were part of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). Five U.S. Army helicopter crewmen also perished. One U.S. military working dog also died in the crash.
National Security and Commentary
CRS Report – USMC’s Ground Combat Element (GCE) 2040 Initiative. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has published a report about the Marine Corps’ roadmap for the further transformation of Marine ground combat forces. The centerpiece of these changes is the redesign of the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR). CRS IF13276, July 28, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13276
Podcast – Afghanistan War Commission Insights. Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, Dr. Colin Jackson and Colonel (Ret.) E.J. Degen discuss initial insights from the Afghanistan War Commission’s work. In particular, the episode examines insights from Afghanistan for building partner armies. Irregular Warfare Initiative, July 28, 2026, one hour.
Freedom Haulers Initiative. There is a new effort to help military veterans find good-paying jobs as commercial drivers following their military service by establishing a military-to-commercial driver’s license pipeline. “Freedom Haulers Initiative to Help Veterans Get Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Better Jobs”, DoD, July 30, 2026.
Security in the Western Hemisphere and Trump. President Trump’s National Security Strategy is not just a strategy to protect the United States; he is sending a message to the world that disruption and globalization only benefit the current global political structure. One view is that we must support regional growth for the benefit of people not the elites. John deVerteuil, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Sergeant Major, provides his thoughts on the topic in “The Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine”, LinkedIn, July 13, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Iran Enduring for the Duration. Some Iranian leaders believe time is on their side. They are willing to suffer the strikes on military targets and the drastic effects on their economy for the long term. Rising oil price are providing pressure on the global economy and U.S. mid-term elections are looming in the months ahead. Iran views control of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) as powerful strategic leverage. As Iran launches more inexpensive drones and ballistic missiles at U.S. forces and Gulf nations, the United States is expending its limited and costly missile interceptors.
An aerial offensive by the U.S. against economic targets in Iran (energy infrastructure and oil refineries) is unlikely to change the situation. Iran will very likely absorb the severe economic consequences. Iran may respond by targeting Gulf nation economic infrastructure and maintain its pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (using Houthi allies).
Yemen and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. One Iranian option that will expand the conflict is the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen once again closing the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait (map NSI) connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Houthis have already announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. There are social media reports that the Houthis want to impose transit fees on commercial ships passing through the strait – creating a permanent toll system modeled on Iran’s SoH.
Interceptor Stockpiles Dwindling. According to CSIS Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors are significantly diminished. Roughly a third of pre-war Patriot interceptors are estimated to remain. Patriot inventories are now under 1,000 and THAAD inventories at about 250. Currently, there are no good alternatives to Patriot and THAAD for ballistic missile defense. These expended munitions are putting constraints on the U.S. if the Iran War persists into the future. In addition, the expended munitions create a risk for U.S. readiness to fight a war against China in the western Pacific. “Renewed Iran War Would Test Diminished Interceptor Inventories”, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), July 27, 2026.
China Shipping up to 400 SAMS to Iran. A first shipment to Iran taking place in the next few weeks will include up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers. Iran has been rebuilding its defenses. The contract covers 300-400 QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS in a deal valued at $60 million to $70 million. (Reuters, July 28, 2026)
Iran War Casualties and Fuzzy Math. The Department of Defense has two databases for documenting the deaths and wounded/injuries from the Iranian War. For several months the casualties were listed by the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) as resulting from Operation Epic Fury. On July 22nd the number of KIAs was listed as 18; on July 23rd the number of KIAs was listed as 14. DoD removed 4 recently killed soldiers (SOF News, July 23, 2026) from this category. Now there are two distinct casualty listings; one for Operation Epic Fury and one for Overseas Operations (OO). As of this past week the total for both lists is 18 KIA and 685 WIA.
Drone Hits U.S. Gas Storage Facilities in Egypt. The attack took place at a natural gas storage facility offshore Damietta, Egypt. Multiple vessels were evacuated. The LNG facility is one of the country’s key import hubs. No one has claimed credit for the strike.
Iranian Drones, Kurdistan, and U.S. Withdrawal. The U.S. presence in Iraqi Kurdistan is dwindling. The Patriot systems have been removed and the U.S. is withdrawing its remaining forces from Erbil, Iraq. Since the start of the war, Erbil’s airport has been subjected to repeated attacks from Iran and Iran-backed militias. U.S. interceptors have successfully deterred at least 95% of those attacks. “US nears full withdrawal from Iraq as bases in Kurdistan Region face attacks from Iran, proxies”, Al-Monitor, July 31, 2026. There are some social media reports that the U.S. is temporarily repositioning U.S. troops from bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Those troops being repositioned are likely heading to Jordan, Israel, and Europe.
Clashes in Yemen. Fighting has broken out between pro-Houthi and pro-Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) forces. Saudi Arabia has supported the PLC, including bombing raids against the Houthi forces. In retaliation, the Houthis have announced a blockade of Saudi shipping into the Red Sea adjacent to its coastline.
More Talks? On Sunday, President Trump indicated that there are some talks ongoing to resolve the Iran-U.S. conflict. He stated that a ‘massive attack’ planned by the U.S. has been called off. According to Trump, negotiations will begin on Monday afternoon.
“I was asked by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and by Qatar, and by Iran (to hold off strikes). We were all set to go . . . . and it would have been a massive attack. When the allies asked to call it off, you gotta sorta say, ‘Well, let’s see.’ . . . .There is a deal on Hormuz, and then it will be a deal on the nuclear.”
Another Tanker Hit on Sunday. Iran targeted a tanker about 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The tanker was reportedly attempting to pass through the southern route in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate the tanker experienced a near miss, the vessel and crew are safe.
- 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
Ukraine Hits Russian Vessels in Caspian Sea. The wars in Europe and the Middle East are beginning to be intertwined. Russia is providing intelligence and critical parts for drones and missiles to Iran. Ukraine is hitting Russian vessels providing equipment to Iran in the Caspian Sea.
CRS Report – Ukrainian Military Leadership Changes. Over the past month there has been a lot of drama in Ukraine over the replacement of the very popular Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, who was in office just six months. Fedorov brought reform and a winning strategy to the current war with Russia. Fedorov was at odds with General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). Syrskiy was an ‘old guard’ type of general, with a Soviet officer background. Massive protests took place all over Ukraine after the dismissal of Fedorov. Ultimately, President Zelensky relieved General Syrskyi of his position as well. CRS IN12721, by Andrew S. Bowen, July 20, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12721 For more on this topic listen to a podcast featuring Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery discussing the political shuffle in Ukraine (and a bit on the Strait of Hormuz). NatSec Matters, July 29, 2026, 40 minutes.
A War of Attrition. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 it has been assumed that Russia would win based on the size of its economy, geographic expanse, and a population that is three times larger than Ukraine’s. In addition, President Putin has a tolerance for huge personnel losses to seize limited amounts of territory in Ukraine. A recent commentary in The Hill argues that the tide may be turning in Ukraine’s favor, with Ukraine appearing to be winning this ‘war of attrition’. “Ukraine’s winning strategy against Russia: Attrition”, The Hill, July 22, 2026.
Trump Backtracks on Patriots for Ukraine. On July 8, Trump told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the United States would give Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot interceptors. He said, “We’re going to give a license to you to make Patriots.” The announcement was subsequently treated by Ukrainian and some U.S. officials as an authorization. On July 31, however, Trump said the United States had not agreed to permit Ukrainian production and described transferring advanced missile technology as a difficult national-security decision. He indicated that discussions might continue but no longer presented the license as an approved commitment. The Patriot interceptors are key to stopping Russian ballistic missiles from penetrating Ukrainian air defenses.
- 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
Intel Support to OTH Targeting. Eric Zimmermann, an Army military intelligence officer, argues that ” . . . sanctuary-based OTH intelligence support will remain prevalent in shaping the deep fight. However, the widening sensor-to-shooter gap risks forfeiting the initiative to adversaries capable of operating more effectively at range in a disrupted electro-magnetic and cyber environment. Closing the gap requires deliberate integration of doctrinal refinements, accelerated adoption of AI for data processing and initial target scrub, improved soldier training in the use of available tools, resilient hybrid communications, and robust intelligence architecture.” “Intelligence Support to Over-the-Horizon Targeting in Contested Environments”, Small Wars Journal, July 22, 2026.
The Enduring Paradox of Indigenous Warfare. David Maxwell, a retired Special Forces officer, looks back into history to the words of T.E. Lawrence and applies them to modern day warfare that involves an insurgency, resistance movement, or a partnered counterinsurgency campaign. “Beyond Lawrence: Respect, Legitimacy, and the Enduring Paradox of Indigenous Warfare”, Small Wars Journal, July 27, 2026.
Sweden and Foreign Intel Service. Sweden plans to establish a new civilian foreign intelligence agency, the UND. It will be modeled on Britain’s MI6. Sweden’s Foreign Intelligence Service (UND) will be a civilian agency responsible for collecting and analyzing information on foreign threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and hostile states. Plans include the beginning of operations on January 1, 2027. It will assume some foreign-intelligence functions from MUST while working alongside MUST, Säpo, and the FRA and reporting directly to the government. MUST is the Swedish Armed Forces’ Military Intelligence and Security Service, responsible for military intelligence, counterintelligence, and security protection. Säpo is the Swedish Security Service, responsible for counterespionage, counterterrorism, constitutional protection, protective security, and protecting senior government officials. FRA is Sweden’s National Defence Radio Establishment, responsible for foreign signals intelligence and supporting national cybersecurity.
Strategic Competition
Future Fight in the Pacific. A Special Forces officer, a FAO, and an artillery officer collaborate in an essay about landpower and the first island chain when preparing for a conflict against China in the Pacific region. The authors argue that the maritime gaps of the First Island Chain will be decisive in a Taiwan conflict (map of Taiwan and Pacific), with distributed U.S. and allied land forces playing a central role in restricting Chinese power projection. These forces must integrate persistent sensing, long-range fires, resilient communications, network-enabled munitions, and partner capabilities. Modular containerized systems and distributed logistics will be essential for concealment, mobility, sustainment, and survival in a contested environment. “Mind the Gaps: Rethinking Landpower in a Maritime Environment”, Small Wars Journal, July 22, 2026.
China’s Narrative Fight. China is engaged in one of the most massive and aggressive narrative warfare campaigns the world has seen in decades. The goal of this information war is to annex Taiwan and other territories. In this article, Brian Kerg outlines the core messages of this info campaign. Kerg also outlines ways to combat this info campaign. “Resistance is (Not) Futile: Winning the War for the Narrative Against China about Taiwan”, Small Wars Journal, July 31, 2026.
IW and the Arctic. Alaska’s concentrated logistics are vulnerable to below-threshold irregular warfare from Russia and China. Building civil-military resilience and dispersing supply capacity can secure Arctic deterrence before a crisis hits. “Thin Margins, Strategic Effects: Irregular Warfare and Contested Logistics in the Arctic”, by Stephen Gagnon, Irregular Warfare Initiative, July 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.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
CTC Sentinel. The July 2026 issue of the “CTC Sentinel” by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is now online. Articles include guardrails for AI, the historical evolution of the Islamic State’s Anti-China propaganda, and youth radicalization and school violence in Italy. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/july-2026/
Podcast – Open-Source Intelligence and Artificial Illusions. Open-source intelligence is rapidly becoming a dominant force in national security, accounting for a significant portion of intelligence activities in Western law enforcement and national security. But what happens when the internet is flooded with artificial intelligence hallucinations and digitally manufactured spam? Tom Spahr sits down with Kelly Ihme and Michael Moore to explore how the intelligence community navigates this data deluge. They discuss the double-edged sword of AI: it is essential for sorting massive volumes of publicly available information, yet it introduces significant risks through deceptive “AI slop.” War Room Online Journal, Army War College, July 31, 2026, 36 minutes.
https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/podcasts/open-source-intelligence/
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