Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: U.S. Air Force independent duty medical technicians from the 352d Special Operations Wing perform critical on-site care to a simulated casualty during high-stress casualty evacuation training October 28, 2026 at RAF Feltwell, UK. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)
Executive Summary
This week’s SOF Weekly Brief examines developments in special operations, irregular warfare, and national security, with particular attention to emerging technologies and strategic competition. USSOCOM’s investments in unmanned systems, the operational employment of Maven AI, and efforts to strengthen resilient communications networks highlight the changing technological demands of modern warfare. Other developments include Russian information operations in Africa, the continued war of attrition in Ukraine, Germany’s preparations for potential conflict with Russia, and the geopolitical implications of Libya’s maritime agreement with Turkey.
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Key Developments
- Top military planner fired over alleged leaks
- Army SOF contractor charged with leaking information
- U.S. attacked Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday
- ISTC medical symposium takes place in Europe
- Cyberattacks take place on food storage freezers
- Russia continues to grow its IO network in Africa
- Turkey and Libya reach a historic maritime agreement
- How Google Earth helps to map conflicts
- I Corps Cdr addresses 1st SFC(A) roundtable
- SPACEFOR-SOC is formally activated
SOF News
Army SOF Contractor Charged with Leaking Info. A former contractor was charged with theft of government property and unlawfully transmitting and retaining national defense information. In addition, he is charged with uploading classified military materials to a social media platform from 2021 to 2024. He worked at an Army Special Operations Command installation in Fort Bragg, NC. The contractor had a TS/SCI clearance. “Former Fort Bragg contractor charged with leaking military secrets”, Task & Purpose, October 31, 2026.
UW – the Debate About Potential Use. There is a bias behind the reluctance to use unconventional warfare (UW) that turns a legitimate operational concern into a reason to rule out the UW option entirely. There are three objections that usually are presented: These are what happens if UW causes regime change, who are the partners, and what is the political risk. Read more in “Why Not UW? The Three Half-Truths Killing Unconventional Warfare”, by Maurice “Duc” Duclos, Unconventional Warfare Review, October 26, 2026.
Vets Running for Office. Almost 800 veterans are candidates for political office in the mid-term elections scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This is almost a 50% increase in veteran candidates compared with 2024. This number includes a number of special operations veterans who are running for public office. A recent survey has found that there is a high level of confidence in veterans among voters. “Veterans Running for Office: America Approves”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), October 28, 2026.
I Corps Cdr Addresses 1st SFC(A) Roundtable. Leaders from across 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Oct. 26–28, 2026, for a three-day Commanders’ Decision Roundtable focused on talent management, organizational readiness and preparing the force for future operations. 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) hosted the event, bringing together command teams and staff from across the Special Operations Forces enterprise. During a leader professional development session, Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps, addressed the growing importance of understanding the theater before crisis occurs, using SOF as the ‘human’ sensor. “I Corps Commander reinforces importance of integration during 1st SFC(A) commander’s decision roundtable”, by Capt. Bailey Buhler, U.S. Army, November 2, 2026.
SOF and Disciplined Inquiry. Disciplined inquiry is the deliberate habit of asking the right questions at the right time to improve understanding, reduce uncertainty, and support better decisions. This mindset is not new to SOF. It is embedded in the way they have historically operated. Mission command, decentralized execution, disciplined initiative, and operating with limited guidance all depend upon people who can understand intent and exercise judgment when the situation changes. “The SOF Inquiry Advantage: Learning Faster Than the Operational Environment Changes”, Special Warfare Journal, October 30, 2026.
Resilient Networks and SOF. Resilient networks, actionable data, and interoperability with allies help U.S. forces maintain command and control in contested environments. Special operations forces must be able to maintain command and control, share actionable data, and coordinate with unmanned systems even when adversaries disrupt communications. The SOCKOR J6 explains in “Special Ops Forces Confront Resilient Network Challenges”, GovCIO, October 28, 2026.
Flying the Osprey. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has a number of CV-22s in its inventory supporting special operations forces. AFSOC uses the CV-22 as an aircraft for long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF units. It carries integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar and a forward-looking infrared sensor, equipment that a standard assault transport does not need. Read more in “How Many Crew Members Does it Take to Fly a V-22 Osprey?”, Simple Flying, November 1, 2026.
USSOCOM Buys Tekever UASs. A leading provider of AI-driven autonomous systems has announced the purchase of UAS systems by the United States Special Operations Command. “Tekever UAS Delivers Aerial Intelligence for USSOCOM”, Soldier Systems, October 27, 2026.
SPACEFOR-SOC Formally Activates. U.S. Space Forces Special Operations Command, or SPACEFOR-SOC, formally activated today as the newest service component of U.S. Special Operations Command. Headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, SPACEFOR-SOC organizes and presents specialized forces – known as SOF Guardians – to Theater Special Operations Commands and Joint Task Forces worldwide. “Space Force activates special operations component command in Tampa”, DVIDS, November 2, 2026.
Task Force 20 – Aviators in Early OIF. A special aviation task force with SOF airframes executed secret missions in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. One of these was Saddam Hussein’s fortified palace at lake Tharthar. “Task Force 20 – Lessons from the Initial Invasion of Iraq“, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), October 27, 2026.
Tycho AI Awarded SOCOM Contract. Tycho.AI has been awarded a $900,000 USSOCOM contract under the ANCHOR OTA to develop a small-form-factor counter-UAS interceptor for dismounted forces. This contract builds on the success of the Halley Group 1 VTOL platform to deliver a compact, fully autonomous, man-packable interceptor to Special Operations Forces, giving ground troops point-defense air superiority against Group 1 and 2 drone threats while on the move in comms-denied and contested environments.
International SOF
Germany’s KSK SOF Prepare for Russia. After 30 years focused on hostage rescue, counter-terrorist operations, and high-risk reconnaissance, Germany’s elite KSK special forces unit is preparing for a potential military confrontation with Russia. “Germany’s KSK Special Forces Prepare for War Against Russia”, Kyiv Post, October 29, 2026.
Latvian SOF. U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and members of the Latvian Special Operations Unit took part in bilateral training in Latvia during October 2026.
ISTC Medical Symposium. U.S. and NATO Special Operations Forces medical professionals gathered at the International Special Training Centre (ISTC) for the Fourth Annual Medical Symposium, Sept. 22-24, 2026, to exchange knowledge and examine how SOF medicine must adapt to the demands of evolving warfare. The symposium brought together medical professionals from NATO Allies and partner nations to discuss prolonged field care, austere medicine, emerging medical technologies, and the challenges of providing casualty care during large-scale, multi-domain operations. (DVIDS, September 26, 2026)
SOF History
Crash of Jockey 14 (AC-130H) in Indian Ocean. On March 14, 1994, an AC-130H flying from Kenya to Somalia suffered a detonation of its 105mm cannon barrel. Damage to the aircraft caused it to crash into the waters off the coast of Africa and eight of the crewmembers died. “AC-130H Gunship suffering detonation of 105mm cannon”, The Aviation Geek, October 29, 2026.
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On November 8, 1962, HQ US Army Special Forces Command – Vietnam was established.
On November 9, 2001, the Taliban held city of Mazar e-Sharif fell to Northern Alliance forces led by warlords Dostum and Atta. They were advised by U.S. Army Green Berets. USAF Combat Controllers, attached to the Special Forces teams, were key to coordinating for air support.
On October 31, 2020, U.S. Navy SEALs (DEVGRU) parachuted from 352nd SOW aircraft into Northern Nigeria to rescue an American held hostage by armed gunmen. Philip Walton, age 27, was a Christian missionary who worked in Niger. No military personnel were injured during the operation. Several of the hostage takers were killed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Nigeria_hostage_rescue
November 8 is the annual JFK Wreath Laying Day at Arlington National Cemetery. This event, conducted by Green Berets, has taken place since the burial of John F. Kennedy after his assassination.
https://sof.news/events/green-beret-wreath-laying-ceremony/
National Security and Commentary
Top Military Planner Fired. Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s director of strategy, plans, and policy, was fired over allegations that he leaked classified information about the wars in Ukraine and Iran to journalists. Sylvia was the former commander of the 101st Airborne Division, a combat veteran, and recipient of the Purple Heart.
CRS Report – Credible Fear and Defensive Asylum Processes: Frequently Asked Questions. The Congressional Research Service has published CRS R48078, October 28, 2026, 26 pages. The report outlines how aliens subject to removal from the United States may seek asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection during standard and expedited removal processes. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to charge aliens with immigration violations and process them for standard removal proceedings in immigration court.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48078
DoD’s MIP Budget – $30.9 Billion. The Department of Defense released the Military Intelligence Budget (MIP) appropriated top line budget for fiscal year 2026. The total was $30.9 billion and is aligned to the National Defense Strategy. The details of the program are classified.
CyberAttacks on Freezers. Last week the Department of Defense announced that some food-storage freezers experienced a cyberattack. In a separate incident, the news broke on Monday, November 2, 2026, that freezers in some supermarkets in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Sweden were hacked overnight changing temperatures to as high as 70 degrees causing food spoilage.
VA is Hiring. The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to hire 2,000 additional workers in fiscal 2027 to process a higher number of claims anticipated from veterans seeking disability compensation and other benefits. “The VA is hiring hundreds of claims processors; veterans encouraged to apply”, Stars and Stripes, October 30, 2026. (subscription)
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
U.S. Attacked Qeshm Island. Numerous social media accounts are reported that the United States attacked Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, November 2, 2026. This is the latest in a series of limited strikes Washington has carried out against Iran that has not received much notice.
Maven AI. Reuters reported October 30 that Operation Epic Fury represented the first full operational rollout of the Pentagon’s Maven AI architecture, reportedly exhausting available U.S. classified-computing capacity during the operation. Maven integrates sensor and intelligence data with commercial models and Palantir’s data architecture. Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving into operational targeting at scale, beyond experimentation. “AI’s rewiring of US Warfare May Be Only Beginning”, Reuters, October 30, 2026. (subscription)
Geopolitics of Iran War. Philip Wasielewski provides a detailed analysis of the conflict with Iran. He states that the conflict has devolved into a struggle for control over the flow of economic goods from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz and the benefits that accrue from that control. “The Geopolitics of the Persian Gulf and War with Iran”, Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), October 19, 2026.
- 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
High Russian Losses. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Russian forces suffered their highest monthly losses of the war thus far in October 2026. The front lines have been static for the last few years. With approximately three times the Ukraine’s population base and almost ten times the economic base, Russia should have come out on top in this protracted war. It is estimated that Ukraine inflicted a record 54,000 Russian casualties during October.
Trench Warfare. The Ukraine War has brought back into focus the prospect of prolonged positional warfare and stalemate during a conflict. Life in the front lines of the Russo-Ukraine conflict is characterized by decreased mobility, small unit tactics, trench warfare, drones overhead, and life in underground emplacements. Today’s Infantryman needs to once again train how to live and fight from the dirt while blending lessons our great-grandfathers learned with today’s modern technology. “No Better Cover: Rediscovering the Art of Trench Warfare”, by John R. Davenport, Infantry, October 1, 2026.
Competition Initiative. Ukraine has recently announced that it will hold a competition to develop indigenous radar systems and air-to-air missiles. The initiative, involving the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and Brave1, will be important for the development of unmanned systems and counter-UAS technologies.
How Ukraine Uses Starlink. On October 14, 2026, SpaceX began implementing speed restrictions on Starshield service in Ukraine with no warning. This timely article explains what Ukraine uses Starlink for, why it relies on it, and the policy implications of the temporary restriction of the Starshield service. “Who Controls Ukraine’s Starlink Access?”, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), November 2, 2026.
DoS Approves Patriot Deal for Ukraine. The Department of State approved a possible $2 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine. The interceptors would be paid for by European allies and an European Union loan. The delivery is years out and not nearly enough to cover the needs of Ukraine.
- 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.
Strategic Competition
Greenland Bases – Not Really Much of a Big Deal. The timing and scope of the U.S. buildup at the Pituffik Space Base and two new bases remain unclear. Negotiations with Greenland’s government are ongoing and the expansion may be slower and smaller than advertised. “Greenland shouldn’t expect much from US base expansion, researcher says”, ArcticToday, October 28, 2026.
Photo: Radar system at Thule Air Base, Greenland, one of several deployed across North America that scan the skies for foreign military rockets, missiles, and aircraft. Photo by JoAnne Castagna, U.S. Army.
Russian IO in Africa. Moscow has developed a powerful propaganda machine that has pushed African governments closer to its foreign policy objectives. This narrative push coincides with Russian military and paramilitary deployments. An extensive policy brief by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) provides the details of Russian information operations (IO) in “The bear and the bot farm: Countering Russian hybrid warfare in Africa”, by Will Brown, ECFR, October 22, 2026.
Swedes Board Russia-Linked Cargo Ship. A cargo ship linked to Russia has been boarded by Swedish police off Gotland as part of a routine border check. The ship was boarded on Saturday, October 31. The ship is operated by a shipping company whose ships have been spotted near drone sightings that have occurred in western Europe.
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
Turkey-Libya Maritime Agreement. In October the House of Representatives in Benghazi, Libya approved a controversial 2019 maritime demarcation agreement between Tripoli and Ankara. Libya has two governments – one based in Tripoli and one based in Benghazi. In 2019, Tripoli (eastern Libyan regime) and Ankara agreed to a maritime agreement that buttressed Turkey’s claims and maritime interests in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This was contested by Cyprus and Greece. Now it appears that both Libyan governments have approved the maritime agreement. This approval by Benghazi has geopolitical consequences in the Mediterranean as well as in Libyan domestic politics. Mohamed Eljarh explains in “Libya’s maritime deal with Turkey may be the key to reunification”, Atlantic Council, October 30, 2026.
Algerian Units to Deploy to Niger. Algeria’s parliament unanimously authorized the deployment of army units to Madama in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. This is Algeria’s first foreign military deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The deployment could reshape regional counterterrorism cooperation after the departure of French and other Western forces from the Sahel. Read more in “Direction Niamey: Algeria Attempts to Bolster its Posture in the Sahel”, The Soufan Center, November 3, 2026.
The Mecca Accord and Regional Affairs. Irina Tsukerman examines the regional alliances and current geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. She suspects the Middle East has turned into a giant game of musical chairs, except everyone brought their own orchestra, nobody agrees on the music, and President Trump keeps threatening to blow up the concert hall. In her latest article she examines the Mecca Accord, Turkey’s growing ambitions, Pakistan’s nuclear promises, and the curious exclusion of Egypt and the UAE from the regional VIP lounge. “The Middle East: No Country for Old Alliances”, The Washington Outsider, November 1, 2026.
Haiti. El Salvador has deployed more than 2,000 soldiers to Haiti to search for four missing aviation technicians. Part of the contingent includes special operations forces. The four technicians were captured in an ambush while serving with the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force.
Western Sahara Update. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) mandate expired on Saturday, October 31, 2026, after the United Nations Security Council failed to agree on its future. A draft resolution by the United States that supported Morocco’s claim on Western Sahara was vetoed by Russia while a rival Russian resolution to extend the MINURSO mandate by one year also failed to receive nine votes needed for adoption. However, the UN will continue to support peace efforts in Western Sahara. Although MINURSO’s operations have now ended, the UN will keep working towards a peaceful resolution through the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura. This is bad news for Western Saharans preferring independence. However, it is good news for Morocco, eliminating one more obstacle to a future internationally recognized annexation. The U.S. has backed Morocco’s claims since 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords to normalize ties with Israel. “Western Sahara: UN ‘stands ready’ to keep supporting peace efforts as MINURSO mission ends”, UN News, November 1, 2026.
Afghan Resistance. The anti-Taliban resistance — a mix of over a dozen groups led by former leaders of the previous government — has survived a counterinsurgency campaign by the Taliban regime. In the last two years, these groups have multiplied, and the tempo and geographical reach of their attacks have expanded. “The Anti-Taliban Resistance Has Survived. Can it win?”, by Will Selber, War on the Rocks, October 27, 2026.
Terrorism Update – July to Sep 2026. Over a recent 3-month period Pakistan has experienced the most terrorism attacks – most attributed to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Countries that followed in numbers of terrorist attacks during the 3rd quarter were Niger, Nigeria, and Mali. Global Peace Index, November 1, 2026.
https://peacebrief.economicsandpeace.org/findings/terrorism
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Perspectives on Terrorism. The September 2026 is now online, presented by International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, PDF, 143 pages. https://pt.icct.nl/issue/volume-xx-issue-3-2026
Infantry. The September 2026 issue of Infantry is now posted online (DVIDS).
https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/77610
Sentinel. The November issue is now online. Articles include book reviews of One Green Beret and Decent Interval.
https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-november-2026/
Video – Inside The Army’s Most Misunderstood Units: PSYOP and Civil Affairs. The Jedburgh Podcast, October 27, 2026, one hour. Colonel Steve Santucci, Colonel Jeff Uherka, and Colonel Bob Cusick to go inside two of the most misunderstood capabilities in Army Special Operations and examine how Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs are shaping today’s battlefield. For these units, the mission is about precision influence. Identify the decision maker. Understand how they think. Force a decision. Create time and space. Then give commanders an opportunity to exploit it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wua7hufpfbQ
Video – John G. on Mapping Afghanistan. Mapping enthusiast and expert, veteran John G. He talks about his expertise inside Afghanistan, including a discussion of much of his first tour of duty in the Arghandab Valley, and what led him to develop an interest in mapping out the country and its tumultuous past. The Afghanistan Project Podcast, November 2, 2026, 1 1/2 hours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGzHvaipQIE
Podcast – Lessons for Pentagon Procurement from the Special Operations Enterprise. As the Pentagon races to buy hundreds of thousands of unmanned systems, acquisition professionals have turned to the special operations community to learn about how to buy commercial technologies fast. Cogs of War, War on the Rocks, October 26, 2026, 40 minutes.
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