Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo: U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) drive a Polaris Razor (MRZR) Lightweight Tactical Vehicle to quickly emplace communication nodes on elevated terrain Aug. 21, 2026, as part of a mounted patrol during Operation Polar Dagger in Tin City, Alaska. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Oh)
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 UAE’s activities across MENA have alienated some nations; particularly Algeria. A Civil Affairs battalion comes off jump status. The U.S. Iran conflict intensifies and oil rises above $100 a barrel. Russian information operations across MENA weaken U.S. influence in the region. The Houthis are making gains in Yemen.
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Key Developments
- Ukraine extends its drone war out to 3,000 kilometers
- Britain increases military aid to Ukraine
- Diesel is now up to $6 a gallon
- Iran captures a U.S. submersible drone
- Task Force Dagger and helping SOF families
SOF News
AFSOC and 9/11. Twenty-five years ago, when the towers fell on that clear September morning, the blueprint of modern American military power was transformed. In response to the attacks on 9/11, the U.S. deployed specialized Air Force Special Operations Command personnel, otherwise known as Air Commandos. “The 25-year long impact: How 9/11 shaped AFSOC”, by Senior Airman Samantha Stein, 1st Special Operations Wing, DVIDS, September 11, 2026.
Hero of 9/11 – Ron Bucca, Firefighter, and Green Beret. On Sept. 11, 2001, New York Fire Department (FDNY) Fire Marshal Ronald P. Bucca gave his life while responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Bucca was a former member of the 11th Special Forces Group and a serving reservist in the 3413th Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment at Fort Totten (Queens), New York. “MI Reservist Saves New Yorkers (11 Sep 2001)”, DVIDS, September 9, 2026.
Badger Six Helping Afghan Allies. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, members of CIA Team Alpha, the original eight-man team to arrive in Afghanistan following the world-changing terror attacks, and several Green Berets who arrived throughout the fall of 2001 in Afghanistan gathered with their Northern Alliance counterparts for a remembrance ceremony to commemorate the efforts of the Afghan allies who enabled the earliest successes against the Taliban in 2001. “25 Years Later, Badger Six Fights for 9/11-Era Allies”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), September 10, 2026.
Last Jump for 404th CA Bn. Soldiers assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion will no longer conduct parachute operations as part of the unit. The change in jump status is likely due to force-structure rationalization and is probably part of the broader Army Transformation Initiative. “Last Jump: 404th Civil Affairs Battalion celebrates legacy as it closes airborne chapter”, DVIDS, September 10, 2026.
Rangers Evaluate Drone-Launching Mothership. The U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment is evaluating its AERO Sky drone in a live-fire mothership role, with the aircraft shown carrying externally mounted strike drones. “U.S. Army Rangers evaluate drone-launching mothership“, Defence-Blog, September 6, 2026.
Operation POLAR DAGGER. Green Berets of the 1st and 10th Special Forces Groups(Airborne) participated in an operation in Alaska that demonstrated the ability of rapidly deploying U.S. SOF to the Alaskan Arctic in support of a layered defense of the homeland. U.S. Special Operations Command North conducted Operation Polar Dagger across western Alaska from August 15–31, 2026, demonstrating the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain special operations forces in the Arctic. Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group operated on St. Lawrence Island and trained with the 11th Airborne Division in Arctic mobility, reconnaissance, communications, and small-unit operations. Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook crews transported personnel and all-terrain vehicles and conducted hoist training, while the U.S. Coast Guard supported maritime activities near Wales, Tin City, and Little Diomede Island. The exercise strengthened joint interoperability and demonstrated a credible U.S. capability to defend the strategically important Bering Strait region.
SOF and Robotics Support. A Special Operations Robotics Detachment (SORD) Training and Integration Company (SORD-T) within the Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) would provide the missing connective tissue between MOS pipelines, advanced robotics courses, operational detachments, and emerging technology. “An Institutional Home for ARSOF Robotics”, Special Warfare Journal, September 10, 2026.
SOF and SR. One of the core missions of special operations forces before the Global War on Terror (GWOT) was Special Reconnaissance. The days of persistent, uncontested intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) are now over. The ability to maintain constant situational awareness has degraded. The author of this article, Stephen Gordon, argues that SOF must place renewed emphasis on Special Reconnaissance and deep-penetration intelligence collection in nonpermissive environments. “The End of Uncontested ISR: Why US Special Operations must rediscover Special Reconnaissance”, Small Wars Journal, September 10, 2026.
Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground. Special operations forces personnel learn how to conduct military free fall operations at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona in the Military Free Fall School (MFFS). The school trains SOF in critical infiltration skills, including HALO and HAHO parachuting. “Free Fall School Trains Students in High-Altitude Infiltration”, by K. Kassens, DVIDS, September 9, 2026.
SOF History
On September 17, 1944, Operation Market Garden begins. This is the battle depicted in the movie “A Bridge Too Far”.
On September 20, 1945. Executive Order 9621 abolished the OSS.
On September 18, 1947, the Central Intelligence Agency was formed. The CIA was formed just two years after President Truman signed Executive Order 9621 disbanding the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) on September 20, 1945.
On September 22, 1953, the 77th Special Forces Group was activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The group was formed with personnel not forward based with the 10th Special Forces Group sent to Bad Tolz, Germany. Later, the 77th SFG(A) was redesignated in May 20, 1960, as the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On September 14, 1962, HQ Detachment (Provisional) 5th Special Forces Group (Abn) arrived in Vietnam. In October 1964 the 5th Group assumed control of all Special Forces operations in Vietnam.
On September 17, 1969, Melvin Morris, a Green Beret that was part of the IV Mobile Strike Force, was in a fierce firefight. His heroic actions that day in Vietnam would be recognized years later when he received the Medal of Honor.
https://sof.news/vietnam/melvin-morris-sf-moh/
On September 14, 2009, JSOC conducted Operation Celestial Balance in Somalia. Two AH-6s and two MH-6s carrying Navy SEALs attacked a two-vehicle convoy carrying Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, a key leader of an al-Qaeda cell responsible for the U.S. embassy bombings in 1998 in Kenya and Tanzania and the 2002 attacks in Mombasa. Nabhan and several other militants were killed.
National Security and Commentary
Algiers and the UAE’s Activities in Africa. Irina Tsukerman provides a detailed, interesting, and informative accounting of the deteriorating relationship between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The relationship has worsened over the past several years due to the UAE’s activities across North Africa and the Sahel regions and encroachment on Algerian influence in the region. This article links Algeria’s rupture with the UAE to accumulated disputes over Morocco, Libya, Sudan, the Sahel, and alleged Emirati interference, intensified by Algeria’s alignment with Saudi Arabia. “From Algiers to Bab al-Mandab: The Hidden Networks Reshaping Gulf Security”, The Washington Outsider, September 12, 2026.
Map. Edited CIA map.
Russian Info Ops across MENA. Autumn Perkey notes how Russia has successfully used information operations across the Middle East and North Africa. Russia amplifies narratives that portray the United States as a destabilizing force in the region and increases Russian influence in the region. “Russian Psychological Operations and Informational Warfare in the Middle East and North Africa“, Irregular Warfare Initiative, September 2, 2026.
NSA Undergoing Restructuring. The director of the National Security Agency, Gen. Joshua Rudd, is retooling the massive spy agency to focus on priorities including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, warfighting, global intelligence, and China. The NSA employs more than 30,000 people, both military and civilian. “National Security Agency launches historic restructuring”, The Washington Post, September 13, 2026. (subscription)
Russia Rehearses for Irregular Warfare Beneath the Arctic. Reuters reported September 10 that British, Norwegian, and U.S. forces intercepted Russian vessels near Svalbard during the spring. Western officials assessed that Russia’s GUGI undersea-warfare organization was practicing deployment of equipment capable of damaging fiber-optic cables connecting Svalbard with mainland Norway. “NATO allies foil Russian subsea cable sabotage plot”, Reuters, September 10, 2026.
Support to RSF. A September 3, 2026, report (OHCHR.org) by the United Nations Human Rights Council provides information that implicate private companies, logistics brokers, and others in moving fighters, weapons, and other types of support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to the report, some of this outside support is coming from the Haftar regime in eastern Libya. Principal support and training sites are at Benghazi, Jufra, and Kufra.
Map. OpenStreetMap edited with ChatGPT. (click here for larger map image)
Super Garuda Shield 2026 Tests a Multinational Cyber HQ. Approximately 120 personnel from ten nations operated the exercise’s first fully integrated Cyber Defensive Operations Center from August 31 through September 10. The CDOC directed geographically dispersed teams responding to simulated attacks on telecommunications, energy systems, power generation, and smart-city infrastructure. “Cyber Defense takes center stage at SGS26 with first integrated Cyber Defensive Operations Center”, PACOM.mil, September 10, 2026.
CRS Report – Army’s XM-30. The Army’s XM-30, previously known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), is being designed to replace the M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, transports infantry on the battlefield, provides fire support to dismounted troops, and can destroy enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defensive systems. Two past efforts to replace the M-2 Bradley—the Future Combat System (FCS) Program and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program—were canceled for programmatic and cost-associated reasons. The Army’s XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12094, September 8, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12094
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Key Oil Pipeline Closed. Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West Pipeline after drone attacks originating from Iraq damaged infrastructure along the route. The pipeline had recently transported approximately 4–5 million barrels of oil per day to Red Sea export facilities, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthis Seize Key Island. The Iranian-backed Houthis have captured Perim Island, also known as Mayyun Island, which occupies a strategic position in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This will likely disrupt shipping in the region and provide more leverage to the Iranians. The capture of the island is seen as a setback to Saudi Arabia and its Yemen allies. The Houthi forces have also made advances on land.They recently began an offensive moving south along the coast against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. After a month of fighting, the Houthi offensive culminated with the capture of the Red Sea port of Mocha. This is a major blow to the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with oil prices spiking to above $100. This positions the Houthis closer to the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait where up to 9 million barrels of oil pass each day.
The Strait of Hormuz is operating at about 20% of its pre-Iran War capacity, removing about 15 million barrels of oil a day.
Map: Oil chokepoints in the Middle East (CIA base map edited with ChatGPT). Click here to view a larger image of map.
Submersible Drone Captured by Iran. Anduril’s Dive-LD uncrewed underwater vehicle falling into Iranian hands is significant, but the system was designed to be risked in contested waters. “Everything We Know About the U.S. Navy’s Submersible Drone Iran Just Captured”, The War Zone, September 8, 2026.
Iran Conflict and Asymmetry. The ongoing US-Israel-Iran war has an element of asymmetry between the hostile sides. Conventional understanding presumes that a weaker side will adopt and employ unconventional tactics to gain strategic effect to deny political objectives, thereby diluting the capabilities of superior forces and gaining an edge. To this end, Iran has shown the ability to adapt and learn in the conflict with a superior adversary. “Lessons of Asymmetry from Ukraine and Iran in Conflict”, Small Wars Journal, September 11, 2026.
Diesel Prices Up. Prices for diesel hit a record high on Friday, September 11, 2026, soaring past $6 a gallon on average. The global crunch has come after the war on Iran curtailed oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report published by the International Energy Agency, net exports of diesel and gasoil from the Gulf countries in August stood at “just over a quarter” of what they were before the war with Iran began in February.
- References for Epic Fury:
- Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury
- NSI Resources: Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, Kharq Island, maps, OEFU Casualties
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports
- Institute of the Study of War interactive map
- See also a map utility – Maritime Attacks in the MENA Region (since 2017) by the Washington Institute
Ukraine Conflict
Trump Calls on Ukraine to Halt Strikes on Russian Fuel Facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure used to produce and distribute diesel, saying the attacks are causing a shortage in Russia and affecting the global supply. “Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel, saying attacks causing a shortage”, Associated Press, September 13, 2026.
From Military Aid to Co-Production: Britain’s Evolving Ukraine Model. Britain announced a £100 million contribution for Patriot missiles and other air-defense equipment through NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List. The UK also reported that it intends to supply 120,000 drones during 2026, although only 25,000 had been delivered as of September 8. In addition, Britain has authorized MBDA to release classified information concerning British components in the SCALP/Storm Shadow missile to support assembly lines inside Ukraine. Britain and Ukraine have also signed an agreement to cooperate on military artificial intelligence. “UK pledges winter air defence package to boost Ukraine’s Defenses”, GOV.UK, September 8, 2026.
Ukraine Extends the Drone War to Strategic Depth. Ukraine reported striking an oil refinery in Siberia more than 3,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory, followed by attacks against industrial and logistical targets spread across several Russian regions. Russia separately claimed that it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones during one overnight period. The expanding range of Ukrainian systems demonstrates how relatively inexpensive unmanned aircraft can place distant economic and defense-industrial targets at risk without conventional long-range aviation.
- References:
- Weapons of Ukraine, Study of War Daily Report, Euromaidan 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.
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.
Veterans Corner
Video – Veterans, Resilience, and Life After Service. John Holiday interviews Simon Weston CBE and U.S. Marine veteran Matt Bradford on Asymmetric Solutions Hour to discuss veterans, resilience, and life after service. Drawing on their own experiences, they discuss veteran support in the UK and US, the barriers to asking for help, and the friendships that endure long after military service. The conversation moves from recovery and rebuilding identity to gratitude, purpose, and choosing how to move forward. With candor and humor, Simon and Matt share what resilience means in their own lives—and why people should be understood for more than what happened to them. SAS-GlobalX, YouTube, September 5, 2026, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GgKBR_haU
Veteran Wellness Podcast. Retired Green Beret Scott LaMorte is featured in this inaugural podcast by Erik Lawrence. Scott reflects on the injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, his cancer diagnosis, the treatments and wellness approaches he chose to pursue, and why he believes faith, resilience, and taking an active role in his own health became central to his recovery. Soldier Systems, September 13, 2026. https://soldiersystems.net/2026/09/13/veteran-wellness-podcast/
Task Force Dagger and Helping SOF Families. When special operations personnel and their families suffer adversity, they are sometimes assisted by non-profit organizations. One of these non-profits is Task Force Dagger. “Taking a Holistic View of the Challenges Special Operations Forces Families Face”, The Pilot, September 13, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
PRISM. The fall 2026 issue of PRISM is now online. This issue examines how states employ criminal networks, economic leverage, agriculture, lawfare, disinformation, cognitive operations, and emerging technology in irregular competition. Contributors assess Chinese pressure against Taiwan, Russian deception, BRICS cryptocurrency, sanctions evasion, modern threat finance, medical intelligence, strategic ambiguity, and gray-zone air and space power, while considering AI ethics, autonomous weapons, and maneuver within the electromagnetic spectrum. PDF, 223 pages.
CTC Sentinel. The September 2026 issue is now online. Articles by Brian Michael Jenkins, Dr. Martha Crenshaw, Peter Bergen, and Sandra Pellegrini. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/september-2026/
Infantry. The Fall 2026 issue is now online, PDF, 64 pages. https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/77610
Podcast – Colin Smith on Latest U.N. Sanctions Monitoring Report. Colin Smith returns to The Afghanistan Project Podcast to discuss the latest report from the U.N. Sanctions Monitoring Team on terror growth inside Afghanistan and around the world. Colin Smith is the UK Threat Assessment Expert and Coordinator, overseeing the work of the United Nations’ Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which supports implementation of sanctions against the Taliban. The Afghanistan Project Podcast, September 7, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itQeMsdVWR8
Video – The First, Still Forward. A U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) video highlighting the history, capabilities and enduring legacy of the 10th SFG(A) at Fort Carson, Colorado, June 26, 2026. Established in 1952 by Col. Aaron Bank, the 10th SFG(A) continues to build on its legacy as the first Special Forces group by maintaining expertise in Arctic warfare and integrating modern technology to meet evolving mission requirements. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Rhianna Ballenger)
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022268/first-still-forward DVIDS, June 26, 2026.
Video – Guerrilla Sky. U.S. Soldiers from across 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) participate in the unit’s inaugural Best Drone Competition at Fort McClellan, Alabama, Aug. 23-29, 2026. The competition showcased the skills and proficiencies of 15 teams, testing their ability to incorporate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within various combat scenarios. (U.S. Army video by SSG Gabriel Davis and SGT Shawnee Vercammen) DVIDS, August 23, 2026.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022481/guerrilla-sky-1st-special-forces-command-airborne-inaugural-best-drone-competition
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