Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: An AC-130 Gunship shoots off flares. Photo by AFSOC, January 1, 2020.
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. Indian commandos recapture a ship taken by Somalia pirates; the threat from pirates has surged this past year. The Greenland parliament has approved the new Arctic Security Agreement. CENTCOM has established Task Force Iron Gate to interdict movement into Iran through the Caspian Sea.
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Key Developments
- Robert K. Brown, founder of Soldier of Fortune, dies at age 93
- SOF Museums are thriving
- SOCOM to get Zeus missile
- El Salvador is stepping up its presence in Haiti
- NATO tests Multinational Force – Ukraine in exercise
SOF News
Support for Air Commando AFSOC Museum. The Air Commando Heritage Foundation has partnered with defense contractor Lockheed Martin for support for the foundation’s development of a new Air Commando AFSOC Museum planned for an area near Hurlburt Field. The museum will be located at Hurlburt Field’s Memorial Air Park located outside the installation’s gates. “Lockheed Martin donates to proposed Hurlburt AFSOC Museum”, Mid Bay News, November 2, 2026.
National Navy SEAL Museum. Located a Fort Pierce, Florida, the museum preserves the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors. The museum’s location is the site of a training ground for the men that would help establish the foundation of modern Naval Special Warfare. From 1943 to 1946, the Naval Amphibious Training Base at Fort Pierce prepared Naval Demolition Units for dangerous mission during World War II. The museum displays many of the small watercraft used by Naval special warfare units to include the Patrol Boats Riverine, SEAL Delivery Vehicles, and Mark V Special Operations Craft. In addition, hundreds of artifacts are on display inside the museum. “Courage, Commitment and Country”, Florida Weekly, November 4, 2026.
Zeus Missile for SOCOM. US Special Operations Command has tapped Aeon Industrial to produce a limited run of a new, developmental shoulder-fired version of its Zeus missile and launcher. The shoulder-fired version of the Zeus is a possible lower-cost alternative to legacy guided systems. It has interchangeable warheads that can be used to target armored vehicles, personnel, drones, or other threats. “SOCOM taps Aeon for limited run of shoulder-fired Zeus with $13.8M deal”, Breaking Defense, November 3, 2026.
SOF’s Space Force Guardians Need Specialized Training. The new Space Force Special Operations Command, or SPACEFOR-SOC, was formally activated on Monday, November 2, 2026. However, this new organization will need to assign a specialized group of ‘guardians’ that have the physical attributes to keep up with special operations units like the Army’s Special Forces or the Navy’s SEALs. “Special operations guardians must ‘maneuver with their SOF counterparts,’ commander says”, Task & Purpose, November 2, 2026.
Founder of Soldier of Fortune Dies at 93. In the mid-1970s, Robert Brown founded Soldier of Fortune magazine, a monthly print publication that you could to or buy on the newsstand. It feature articles on Vietnam, Special Forces, and conflicts around the world. One of its favorite topics were the many conflicts in Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere – including the Cold War fights between the communist block and the United States. One constant feature was the war in Rhodesia. He magazine was a favorite among those in the special operations community. In April 2022 Brown sold the magazine to journalist Susan Katz Keating. Brown was a Special Forces officer and a veteran of the Vietnam War.
https://sofmag.com/robert-k-brown-soldier-of-fortune-obituary/
CRS Report – Defense Primer: U.S. Special Operations Forces. The Congressional Research Service has updated CRS IF10545 on November 3, 2026. The publication provides an overview of U.S. Special Operaitons Forces (SOF) listing SOF’s core activities, selection of SOF personnel, command structure and components, units of USSOCOM, ASD SO/LIC, TSOCs, and more. PDF, 3 pages. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10545
Indian Commandos Recapture Ship. Indian naval commandos parachuted onto a Iranian fishing vessel off Somalia that was hijacked and rescued 20 crew members. The vessel was seized on October 29, 2026, off the Somali coast. At lease 15 piracy incidents have taken place off the Somali coast since April 2026. This is the highest number since 2013. “Indian Airborne Commandos Recapture Ship off Somalia”, Garowe Online, November 3, 2026.
SOF History
On November 11, 1953, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) deployed to Bad Tolz, Germany.
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. (view map of Afghanistan)
On November 13, 2001, Kabul fell to the Northern Alliance. Green Berets would enter the city the next day. The Northern Alliance were also advised and assisted by other SOF elements such as the 49th Public Affairs Detachment (ABN) out of Bragg, Psychological Operations elements, and 1st Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment out of Ft. Drum, NY. The initial operation name was Operation Stronghold Freedom and these U.S. service members made up the Joint Special Operations Task Force-North (JSOTF-N).
National Security and Commentary
Economics of Cognitive Warfare. Amassing huge stores of personal data helps marketing firms target select audiences and individuals for their ‘shopping experience’. The same type of information, personal data, can be gathered to deliver tailored messages to each individual as well as certain segments of a population. Currently, that data is for sale on the commercial marketplace for cheap money. For $100 you can buy the registration record of every voter in California. Now marry that up with commercially available cell phone data (Mobile Advertising ID or MAIDs), and other commercially available data and you are on your way to building a profile of millions of Americans. Read more in “Buy, Don’t Steal: The Economics of Cognitive Warfare”, by Robert Green, Small Wars Journal, November 6, 2026.
Greenland Agreement. The new Arctic Security Agreement between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States was approved by Inatsisartut, Greenland’s Parliament on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The agreement has now completed its parliamentary process and Greenland and awaits consideration by the Danish Parliament (Folketing), scheduled for November 19, 2026.
Veterans in Congress. The number of veterans serving in Congress will likely be at its lowest since the 1970s. The percentage of veterans serving in the House and Senate in 2027 will probably be about 15%, down from 19% in 2026 and lower than 27% in 2001. In the 1970s, almost three-quarters of the members of Congress had served in the military. “Percentage of veterans serving in incoming congressional class drops to 15%”, Miltary Times, November 5, 2026.
CRS Report – Department of the Army and Army Command Structure. The Congressional Research Service updated CRS IF10544 on November 4, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10544
HSDL. The Homeland Security Digital Library has been revamped and is now called the Homeland Security & Defense Library. The new features include enhanced search capabilities, topics page, retrievable search history, and auto-populating metadata suggestions. https://www.hsdl.org/
Iran War, Operation Epic Fury, and Yemen
Task Force Iron Gate. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched Task Force Iron Gate to interdict the northern supply lines from Russia to Iran in the Caspian Sea. The Tampa-based interagency team will track and disrupt the movement of advanced weapons systems, military supplies, and illicit revenue channels.
Reward for Info on Iran’s Nucelar Program. U.S. Centcom posted on Twitter (X) that Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel. https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/iran-nuclear-program/
AI Targeting in Iran . . . And Now the Human Element. Central Command successfully integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its operational planning and targeting process. The “kill chain” was dramatically shortened in time due to the use of AI. However, human analysts must still known when to question machine recommendations in order to avoid civilian casualties and to avoid incidents that have strategic consequences. Patricia Brennan explores this topic in “AI Accelerated U.S. Operations in Iran. Now It’s Time to Rethink the Human Role”, Washington Institute, November 2, 2026.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Unite (again) in Fight Against Houthis. The two countries are setting aside some of their differences, at least for the time being, while they attempt to assist Yemeni government forces holding back the advance of Houthi forces in their push south in western Yemen. Over the past few years the two countries have had competing interests in the future of Yemen. Through this past week the Houthis continued to attack Saudi critical infrastructure to coerce Saudi Arabia to agree to Houthi demands which include lifting Saudi controls on Houthi-controlled ports and airports and ending Saudi support to government forces in Yemen. “The Saudi-UAE split is ending. That may be bad news for Yemen”, by Jonathan Fenton Harvey, Responsible Statecraft, November 2, 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
Exercise KOALICJA 26.2. NATO will conduct an exercise in Poland from November 9–22. Approximately 2,800 personnel from 11 countries will test the command, movement, protection and sustainment of the Multinational Force-Ukraine. Turkish personnel will separately establish its maritime element in Istanbul and rehearse mine-clearance arrangements. MNF-U would enter Ukraine only after hostilities end, at Kyiv’s invitation, and would regenerate Ukrainian forces and support air and maritime security—not monitor a ceasefire or conduct traditional peacekeeping. “UK to lead multinational military training exercise to prepare for peace in Ukraine”, GOV UK, November 3, 2026.
Russian Geran Drones Develop into Formidable Threat. An enhanced jet-powered Russian drone is now being launched against Ukrainian targets in broad daylight. These fast drones are difficult to intercept and are being produced in increasing numbers by the Russians. The Geran-5 is the latest evolution of cheap, one-way attack drones used by the Russians. Read an illustrated article about the Geran-5 in “The new drones shifting Ukraine war into era of round-the-clock terror”, ABC News (AU), October 28, 2026.
NATO’s C-UAS Marketplace. The North Atlantic Treaty Organizaation has launched the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) marketplace to accelerate the acquisition of counter-drone equipment and technologies. The marketplace aims to provide access to C-UAS solutions in an expedited manner. The marketplace will work in conjunction with NATO’s Drone Edge program to provide C-UAS capabilities to NATO countries. “NATO accelerates procurement for counter-drone technologies”, NATO, November 5, 2026.
- 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.
Intel, IO, Cyber, AI, IW, Technology
The Human Side of Hacking. John Curlee, an intelligence and investigations professional, writes on how people are unwittingly contributing information to adversaries. Read “The Hack Started at a Bar: Don’t Forget the Human Side”, Coffee Break Intel, November 2, 2026.
A Fractured Intelligence Community. Some of the actions of the Trump administration have hollowed out the institutions where there is actual intelligence community coordination on things. Now the various intelligence agencies are not quite working together as they have in the past. “US intelligence sharing has fractured under Trump, officials say”, Reuters, November 3, 2026. (subscription)
HUMINT, AI, and Brain Fingerprinting. The use of advance technology to aid personnel engaged in human intelligence activities is a constant as advancements in technology provide increasingly effective methods. One application includes using brain-related technology to monitor the thoughts of detained personnel while being interrogated for intelligence purposes. Brain scans are thought to be less fallible than traditional lie detector tests. It may revolutionize the way intelligence is collected and analyzed. “The Law on Brain Technologies in Warfare Series – HUMINT, Detainees, and ‘Brain Fingerprinting'”, Articles of War, West Point, November 3, 2026.
Strategic Competition
Taiwan’s Resistance Area Complex. There are advantages and disadvantages of being an island nation from a military standpoint. An invading force needs a robust naval capability to attack and occupy an island nation like Taiwan (map NSI). However, there is a lack of ‘strategic depth’ for Taiwan. A resistance movement needs an area to retreat to, reorganize, train, and receive outside assistance (equipment, arms, ammunition, medical supplies, etc.). This is sometimes referred to as a ‘resistance area complex’. In Taiwan’s situation, the outer zone of the area complex could be Japan and the Philippines – serving as an extension of the Taiwan resistance area complex. Jeremiah “Lumpy” Lumbaca explores this concept in detail. Read “Expanding Taiwan’s Resistance Area Complext by way of Japan and the Philippines”, Small Wars Journal, November 6, 2026.
Russian Propaganda in Africa. Thomas Kent, a specialist on propaganda, journalism, and the world information war, writes on the apparatus of Russian propaganda, Russia’s propaganda messages, and counter messaging by western nations. “Defying Gravity: Russian Propaganda in North Africa and the Sahel”, Stimson, October 22, 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
Women in Afghanistan’s Civil Service. The Afghan civil service has been rapidly shedding and demoting female employees since the Emirate took power in 2021. From teachers to police officers to administrators, women have been sacked, often with little or no explanation. Others have been forced into menial roles or hit with pay cuts. “Sacked, Demoted, but Still Needed: Women in Afghanistan’s Civil Service”, by Rachel Reid and Rama Mirzada, Afghanistan Analysts Network, November 5, 2026.
El Salvador Steps Up in Haiti. More than 2,000 El Salvadorian troops have been sent to Haiti. The deployment was prompted by the kidnapping of four El Salvadorian aviation technicians by one of the gangs of Port-au-Prince. The technicians were serving as part of the United Nation’s-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). They were kidnapped while driving back to camp from a supermarket in Santo, just east of the capital, Port-au-Prince. There is no certainty that the four men are still alive.
Burma Conflict and Humanitarian Relief. The “Free Burma Rangers” (FBR) non-profit organization was started in 1997 in response to a government offensive that displaced over five hundred thousand people. Since then the organization has grown to include many different ethnic groups across Burma. FBR’s mission is to bring help and hope to people in conflict areas. Read an update to the humanitarian mission of FBR in “Humanitarian Gap in War: Burma Conflict Update”, by Dave Eubank, Free Burma Rangers, November 2, 2026.
Migrant Boat Crossings from Libya to Crete. Irregular migration, a term used to classify the illegal smuggling of migrants, has increased between eastern Libya and Crete, Greece. It is a managed operation run by militias, smugglers, and many times assisted by NGOs manning ‘rescue boats’. So far this year, more than 20,000 people have made the perilous crossing across the Mediterranean. Learn more in “Smuggling, power, profit: Irregular migration out of eastern Libya”, Deutsche Welle, October 30, 2026.
Western Sahara. Washington’s diplomatic fumbling and miscalculation has ended the United Nations mission in Western Sahara. Encouraged by this turn of events, Morocco may decide to push deeper into the Western Sahara region and consolidate full control over the territory. This may result in a protracted guerrilla conflict as the Polisario attempts to resist the Moroccan incursion. Fighting could destabilize the Sahel region and North Africa and draw Algeria into the conflict on the side of the Polisario. European powers may need to step in to prevent the onset of hostilities and urge Morocco to exercise restraint. “Western Sahara miscalculation: How Europe can stop a war in North Africa”, European Council on Foreign Relations, November 4, 2026.
CRS Report – The Unfolding Conflict in Ethiopia. The Congressional Research Service has published CRS IF13344 on November 6, 2026 that provides information on eight opposition groups that have formed an armed alliance against the Ethiopian government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It also details a possible future escalation between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as tension with Egypt and Sudan. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13344
PMC in Sudan Fighting for RSF. A United Nations report details how Global Security Services Group (GSSG), a United Arab Emirates-based private military company (PMC), has moved Colombian fighters into Sudan through Libya, Somalia, and Chad to fight on behalf of the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). “Leaked UN report ‘establishes conclusively’ that UAE hired Colombian mercenaries for Sudan’s RSF”, Middle East Eye, November 6, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Podcast – 25 Years Later: Rangers on Objective Rhino. Retired General Joseph Votel revisits Objective Rhino, a high-stakes October 2001 mission that put U.S. boots on the ground in Afghanistan. Votel was the commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment during the airborne assault. War Room Online Journal, November 6, 2026, 42 minutes.
https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/podcasts/objective-rhino/
CTC Sentinel. The October 2026 issue by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is now online. Several interesting articles on European counterterrorism, limits of counterterrorism assessment in Afghanistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, and terrorist and insurgent threats in Africa.
https://ctc.westpoint.edu/october-2026/
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Upcoming Events
November 11, 2026
Atlanta Clays
Special Forces Trust
Mansfield, GA
November 12, 2026
Boston Trident Tribute Reception
Navy SEAL Foundation
Boston, MA
November 12, 2026
Houston Benefit Dinner
Honor Foundation
Houston, TX
November 12, 2026
A Night to Honor
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Miramar Beach, FL
November 13-14, 2026
2026 Civil Affairs Symposium
Simi Valley, CA
November 16-19, 2026
Modern Warfare Week
Global SOF Foundation
Ft. Bragg, NC
December 7-11, 2026
Silent Warrior 2026
SOCAFRICA and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces
Rabat, Morocco
December 9-10, 2026
SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium
DSI Group
Tampa, FL
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