Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. David Hanson, from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, recovers his parachute after jumping onto Donnelly Drop Zone as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Wyatt Moore / 28th Public Affairs Detachment)

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SOF News

‘Angel of Death’ Retiring from AFSOC. Colonel Allison Black is retiring from the Air Force. In the initial stages of OEF she was referred to by Afghan fighters as “the Angel of Death” for her radio calls from AC-130 gunships. “Afghanistan’s ‘Angel of Death’ is retiring from Air Force special ops”, Task & Purpose, February 23, 2024.

New Cdr for 1st SOW. With the retirement of Col Black (see para above) the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida has a new commander. “Welcome Col. Patrick Dierig; 1st SOW change of command ceremony”, 1st SOW Public Affairs, February 23, 2024.

Former 10th SFG(A) Doc Awarded Army Astronaut Device. Army Col. (Dr.) Frank Rubio has earned many awards and decorations throughout his long career. He has deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan . . . and spent a year in space. He set the U.S. record for the most days in space on a single spaceflight on the International Space Station. In addition to being a doctor (served with 10th Special Forces Group) and an astronaut, he also has been a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot (600 combat flight hours). “Army Secretary Says Astronaut’s Army Values Inspire Others”, DOD, February 22, 2024.

Another List of Elite Units. At least once a month some journal or online blog publishes an article about the “Ten Most Elite Units in the World”. Typically, no list is the same as the other. Sometimes, the best units are sometimes left out while obscure units are included. Here is the latest ‘list’: “These Are 16 Most Dangerous Special Forces in the World 2024: Deathly Elite”, by Srdjan Ilic, Southwest Journal, February 20, 2024.

CV-22 Mishap Update. Air Force Special Operations Command has issued a press release providing an update on the November 29, 2023, aircraft ‘mishap’ in the waters off Yakushima, Japan that claimed the lives of eight servicemembers. Ongoing investigations found that a material failure that occurred is known but the cause of the failure has not been determined. “CV-22 Mishap Investigation Update”, AFSOC, February 20, 2024. Read an article on the same topic in Air & Space Forces Magazine, February 20, 2024.

Help Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel with spine injuries receive the healthcare options, education, and care they need.

26th MEU(SOC). The Marines of the 16th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) have been quite busy during their deployment the past several months. One of the units training events has been working with the Italian San Marco Brigade Marines. (DVIDS, 21 Feb 2024)

SOF and Cancer Screening. The President of the Globa SOF Foundation, Stu Bradin, notes that special operations veterans have a higher rate of cancer than the general population and that we should take some steps to detect it early rather than in its later stages. “Options for Screening for Cancer in SOF”, Global SOF Foundation, February 20, 2024.

SOCAFRICA Trains SNA Danab Forces. Somali National Army units received training in media, medical, and tactics during a recent event held in January 2024. “U.S. Special Operations Command hosts Knowledge Exchange with Somali and Kenyan Partners”, DVIDS, February 22, 2024. There have been recent news reports that the U.S. will begin construction of five bases in Somalia (map, NSI) for the Danab unit.

SOCNORTH and Arctic Edge. The Special Operations Command North, along with NORTHCOM and Marine Forces North, will be participating in an annual defense exercise that is designed to demonstrate that U.S. forces are engaged, postured and ready to defend U.S. interests in the Arctic security environment (map, NSI). The 3-week long multi-domain exercise is taking place in late February and early March. It will focus on operations in extreme cold and high-altitude environments.

SOF History

Merrill’s Marauders. On February 24, 1944, Merrill’s Marauders began a campaign in northern Burma. The mission of the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) was to disrupt Japanese supply and communications lines.

Operation Bunghole – OSS in WWII. On February 27, 1944, a five-man team from the OSS parachuted into Malo Ticevo, Yugoslavia to establish a weather station. Operation Bunghole consisted of members of the OSS and USAAF specialists. Yugoslavia was occupied by the Germans at the time.
https://codenames.info/operation/bunghole-ii/

Corregidor Secured. On February 26, 1945, the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) secured the island fortress of Corregidor after two weeks of fighting. The 503rd had parachuted onto the island on February 16th. It was assisted by the 34th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 24th Infantry Division that made a seaborne assault, as well as other smaller units.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Corregidor_(1945)

SR Mission in Desert Storm. On February 23, 1991, SOFDA 525 was inserted by helicopter at night and moved to a hide site to conduct a recon mission deep behind enemy lines in Iraq. On the next morning, the 24th, this 5th SFG(A) team would find itself fighting for survival against an overwhelming enemy force.
https://sof.news/history/sfoda-525/

MARSOC. On February 24, 2006, the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was officially activated at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Israel’s Future Plans. On Friday, February 23, 2024, Israel released its proposed plan for the future of Gaza. The IDF will retain indefinite military control over the Gaza Strip (map, NSI) while allowing Gazans to govern aspects of civilian life. Israel will control buffer zones along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. The offensive against remaining Hamas elements in Rafa (map, NSI) is still yet to be conducted.

Humanitarian Crisis. An in-depth look at the situation for the Gazan civilians is presented by Tania Hary and Kevin Huggard, Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institute, February 22, 2024, in “The Gaza Strip’s deepening humanitarian crisis”.

U.S. Involvement. The United States is working with Israel and other regional powers to get an agreement that results in the release of the remaining hostages and that produces an extended humanitarian ceasefire. Involved in the negotiations is CIA director Bill Burns, White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, and Ambassador David Satterfield.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Two Years Ago – Invasion. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The objective of the Russians was to occupy the capital city of Kyiv and topple the Ukrainian government in three days. The conflict had been ongoing since 2014 when the Russians seized Crimea and created the regimes in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine. Although the Russians captured a considerably amount of territory in the first several months of the conflict, Ukraine has retaken more than half of that land back. The fight continues, two years later. However, Ukraine suffers from manpower shortages, lack of air defense systems, and a severe shortage of artillery ammunition. Until Western aid picks up, Ukraine will remain on the defensive and Russia will retain the momentum. Ukraine has been successful in the Black Sea (GIS Reports, 14 Feb 2024). Read an account of the first day of the invasion of Ukraine, SOF News, February 24, 2022.

Commentary on Ukraine. There is a lot of coverage about the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Some of the articles and reports are listed below:

• Ukraine and IW Lessons. Doug Livermore, a Special Forces officer, highlights “several critical lessons regarding irregular warfare and its broader implications for global security and stability.” He used the conflict in Ukraine to underscore the importance of hybrid warfare strategies. He applies these lessons to China, Africa, and the Middle East. “Two Years On: Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine and the Continuing Lessons for the Future of Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 20, 2024.
• The Russo-Ukrainian War: A Strategic Assessment Two Years into the Conflict, by Amos Fox, Land Warfare Paper 158, Association of the United States Army, February 2024, PDF, 23 pages. Abstract or PDF.
• Ukraine Two Years Later: Memories and Observations from My time on the Ground, Spirit of America, February 2024. The Regional Director – Europe of Spirit of America writes of her experiences in the effort to assist the fighting forces of Ukraine and being an enabler for U.S. SOF efforts in Ukraine. Read more in “Spirit of America – Helping Ukraine Win“, SOF News, May 3, 2022.

Resistance Behind the Lines. While the world is fixated on the grinding war of attrition on the front lines, Ukrainian intelligence operatives of the SBU and GUR have been busy conducting operations deep behind Russian lines and in Russia. “Tip of the Spear: Analyzing Ukrainian Intelligence Operations Behind Russian Lines”, Georgetown Security Studies Review, January 10, 2024.

• References:
• Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats. On storymaps.arcgis.com See also https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html
• U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service, CRSIF12040, periodically updated, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040
• Ukraine Conflict, National Security Info. https://www.national-security.info/ukraine-conflict.html

National Security

IW Global Network. In February 2024 the Irregular Warfare Center introduced a new initiative entitled “IW Global Network”. This project has been established to address specific areas of interest, focusing primarily on confronting irregular challenges. The IW Global Network consists of several Functional Area Networks (FANs). These cover the topics of contested logistics, mission assurance, medical resilience, intelligence, information operations, and emerging technologies. Read more about it here at IW Global Network.

NDAA. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of the structure and organization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It also provides a description of the legislative process within the Senate and House of Representatives. Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, CRS IF10516, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10516

Emerging Military Technology. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of new technologies that are being incorporated into the U.S. defense forces. These include artificial intelligence, lethal autonomous weapons, hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, biotechnology, and quantum technology. Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress, CRS R46458, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 43 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46458

Border Security:

• Report – Illicit Fentanyl and China’s Role. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that provides the background, trafficking pathways, role of China, and Congressional legislation of the opioid crisis in the United States. Beginning in the mid-2010s, U.S. authorities identified the People’s Republic of China as a primary source of U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. CRS IF10890, updated February 20, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10890
• Restricting Asylum. President Biden’s campaign for reelection is struggling with one of the foremost election issues – border security and the surge in border crossings. The White House is considering action that would prevent people from making asylum claims during border crossing surges. “Biden Mulling Plan That Could Restrict Asylum Claims at the Border”, The New York Times, February 31, 2024. (subscription) See also an article on this topic by Associated Press, February 21, 2024.
• Suspending Entry of Aliens. A recent Congressional Research Service report gets into legal aspects of border security and limiting the entry of aliens across U.S. borders. The report finds that the President has the authority “to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” whenever he finds that entry of aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Presidential Authority to Suspend Entry of Aliens Under 8 U.S. C 1182(f), CRS LSB10450, updated February 21, 2024, PDF, 23 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10458

Strategic Competition

Russia and Unconventional Activities. A recent report details “Russia’s unconventional military activities outside Ukraine, including efforts to prepare for destabilization in European countries, expeditionary operations in Africa to seize control of critical resources, and outreach to target audiences in the Middle East.” This special report is entitled The Threat from Russia’s Unconventional Warfare Beyond Ukraine, 2022-2024, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), February 2024, PDF, 38 pages. See Unconventional Warfare (NSI) for more references on UW.

Russia and ‘Offensive’ Resistance Operations. Russia, as well as the Soviet Union, has a long history of utilizing local collaborators to pursue political objectives in foreign nations. Dr. Jonathan White, a career Special Forces officer, writes on this topic in “Russian Offensive Resistance Operations”, Irregular Warfare Center, February 21, 2024.

Report – Taiwan: Background and U.S. Relations, The Congressional Research Service has updated its publication about the country that lies across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. A recent U.S. Department of State Fact Sheet refers to Taiwan as “a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific.” This CRS report has info on the modern history of Taiwan, the recent elections, U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the country’s security, and more. CRS IF10275, updated February 23, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10275

Battle for Taiwan and U.S. Big Tech. Leading technology companies of the United States have provided significant assistance to Ukraine over the past two years. This includes services like mapping, ISR, targeting, cyber security, and more. However, these same firms may not come to the aid of Taiwan (map NSI) in the same manner due to their business ties with mainland China. Which Ties Will Bind? Big Tech, Lessons from Ukraine, and Implications for Taiwan, Issue Brief, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Georgetown, February 2024, PDF, 76 pages. Read the report here.

Arrow Security & Training, LLC is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. AST offers a wide range of training and instruction courses and programs to include language and cultural services, training, role playing, and software and simulation. https://arrowsecuritytraining.com/

Middle East

Video – Inside Look at U.S. Navy Response to Houthi Red Sea Attacks, 60 Minutes, YouTube, February 18, 2024, 13 minutes. A good video describing how the U.S. Navy keeps the waterways open in the Red Sea and other surrounding waters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRRJmOTCqqQ&t=1s

Houthi Threat. Dr. Can Kasapoglu provides his perspective on the Houthi threat. He states that Iran has successfully targeted global supply chains through its Yemeni proxy (Houthis). Up to this point, Operation Prosperity Guardian has not established a credible deterrence in the (NSI map) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “Assessing and Addressing the Houthi Threat”, Hudson Institute, January 2024.

Legal Status of U.S. in Syria. The United States has had a military presence and conducted operations in Syria (SOF News, 2022) since 2014. The primary reason for being there is so it can target Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within Syrian territory (map) – as part of a broader counterterrorism campaign. It conducts this campaign unilaterally and in concert with the Syrian Democratic Front (SDF) (SOF News, 2018) and other proxies. Many observers of the conflict question the legal status of the U.S. conducting operations in a country where it is not invited. However, there is a legal justification. See “Enduringly Unwilling and Unable: The Syrian Chapter of the Forever Wars Saga”, by Thea Charlotte Andersen, Articles of War, Lieber Institute West Point, February 23, 2024.

Tower 22, al Tanf, and SF. A small U.S. base in Jordan burst into the news in January 2024 when a terrorist drone exploded within its perimeter killing three and injuring over 40 U.S. servicemembers. “What is the U.S. Doing in a Disputed Triangle on the Jordan / Syria / Iraq Border?”, Stimon.org, February 20, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Journals, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

InterPopulum: Journal of Irregular Warfare and Special Operations. The Spring 2024 issue has been posted online. There are a number of interesting articles for the IW practitioner. PDF, 117 pages.

• Jedburgh Teams – Lessons for Unconventional Warfare
• Secret War in Cuba: The Bay of Pigs Invasion, 1960-1961
• Limited Conflicts and Use of SOF in Global Competition
• 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) “Merrill’s Marauders”
• The Liberator’s Dilemma: The Paradox of American Leadership
• and . . . six reviews of books relating to SOF, intelligence, insurgency, and AI

CTC Sentinel. The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has published its February 2024 issue containing articles about “Long-Range Stand-Off Terrorism”, an interview of Christopher Maier (ASD SO/LIC), and Somalia’s stalled offensive against al-Shabaab. PDF, 28 pages.

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

March 11-13, 2024
Irregular Warfare COI Symposium
Mclean, Virginia

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators use a Submarine Exploration (SUEX) diver propulsion vehicle during a sustainment exercise in Virginia Beach, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trey Hutcheson, Jan. 7, 2024)

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SOF News

Questions on the Osprey. AFSOC is eager to get their fleet of CV-22s back in the air but want to ensure it is safe for its crews. In November 2023 a special operations Osprey crash off the coast of Japan’s Yakushima Island resulted in the death of eight crewmen. An investigation is ongoing. (Military.com, 13 Feb 2024) (Editorial Note: One retired SF colonel commented: “Do the troops have a desire to fly IN the CV-22?”) Read more in “Is the V-22 Osprey Headed to the Scrap Yard?”, National Interest, February 16, 2024; and in “US Navy’s Six-Decade-Old Greyhounds to fill Grounded V-22 Osprey’s Role”, The Defense Post, February 14, 2024.

Women in SOF. An interesting article takes a look at the history (and outcome) of the effort to integrate women into special operations forces. “A Reconsideration of Women’s Role in Special Operations: Critical Questions, Mooted a Decade After the Fact”, Small Wars Journal, February 19, 2024.

Change of SEAL Mission. Naval Special Warfare sailors are pivoting away from being a counterterrorism force to supporting the combatant commands. Training is now more focused on the maritime environment. “The Navy SEAL Mission is Shifting from Raids to Supporting the Service”, Military.com, February 14, 2024.

USS Canley Commissioned. An Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB) was recently commissioned (DOD, 16 Feb 2024) on February 17, 2024, in Coronado, California. It will support a variety of missions to include the staging of Special Operations Forces (SOF). It has a four-spot flight deck, mission deck, and hangar. The ship is named in honor of a U.S. Marine, Gunnery Sergeant John Canley (DVIDS, 17 Feb 2024), who won the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. Watch a video about the ESB ship that describes the mission and layout of the ship. In the video, the captain of the ship describes the ESB as a “large command and control platform for sea basing Marines and Special Forces.” “USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) Virtual Tour”, DVIDS, February 10, 2024. See also “Explore the Floating Navy SEAL Base: A Closer Look at the US Warship Resembling a Tanker”, Texas Breaking News, February 12, 2024.

MoH – Zabitosky. The U.S. Department of Defense published a story about a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1968 helicopter crash in the Vietnam War. His recon team was tasked with monitoring the Ho Chi Minh Trail on February 19, 1968, in the midst of the Tet Offensive. Read more in “Medal of Honor Monday: Army Master Sgt. Fred W. Zabitosky”, DOD News, February 19, 2024.

“The Unit”. The New York Post has published an article entitled “This military special ops unit is so classified, even its name is a secret – and getting into it is absolute hell.” February 19, 2024.

NSW Force Multiplier. Rear Adm. Keith Davids recent participated in and provided some commentary at the AFCEA-USNI West 2024 Conference held in February 2024 in San Diego. “Naval Special Warfare a Force Multiplier for Fleet, Prioritizing Reintegration with Joint Force”, Seapower Magazine, February 15, 2024.

1st SFG(A) Training in Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan appear to be having a more robust relationship over the past year or more. Members of the 1st Special Forces Group are reported to be working on two bases of the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion – a Taiwanese special operations force. “US Army Special Forces Train Taiwan Troops Near China’s Coast”, Newsweek, February 8, 2024.

Nine Honored at Fort Liberty. Some prominent members of the special operations and airborne community were recently honored at the Iron Mike Conference Center on Fort Liberty. (CityView, 17 Feb 2024)

26th MEU (SOC). The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) is conducting cold weather bilateral training with the 32nd Marine Brigade in Volos, Greece at the Mount Olympus Mountain Training Center. (DVIDS, 19 Feb 2024)

Cigars Honoring the SEALs. A cigar line honoring the Navy SEALs and their families has been created by a New Hampshire-based smoke shop. “United Cigars To Release New Smokes Honoring Navy SEALs”, Cigar Aficionado, February 14, 2024.

Special Forces Scholarship Fund. The Special Forces Scholarship Fund has now become a part of the Green Beret Foundation (GBF). Read a press release dated February 9, 2024, by the GBF.

5th SFG(A) Memorial. Over 800 Special Forces men were lost during the Vietnam War. There is a plan underway to build a memorial on Gabriel Field, Fort Campbell, Kentucky close to the headquarters of the 5th Special Forces Group. Members of the Special Forces Association and Special Operations Association are involved in the project and the fundraiser to make the memorial a reality.
https://specialoperations.org/soa/5th-group-vietnam-memorial/

International SOF

Royal Marines New CRC. A new CRC is replacing the troop-carrying and fire support variants of the Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC). The new craft is multi-purpose and more supportive of the Commando Force. “Royal Marines Receive New Commando Raiding Craft”, Forces.net, February 14, 2024.

Paddy Mayne and the SAS. A member of the Special Air Service executed some of the most daring raids against enemy strongholds during World War II. (War History Online, 13 Feb 2024)

UKSF Blocks Afghans from Triples. Afghan fighters of CF 333 and ATF 444 have been stymied in their attempt to resettle in the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Recent reports from multiple media sources (Express, Arab News, AOAV, Independent, Guardian) indicate that the roadblock may be because the applications did not receive approval from UK Special Forces. “Special Forces blocked UK resettlement applications from elite Afghan troops”, BBC, February 19, 2024.

SOF History

Burma. On February 24, 1944, Merrill’s Marauders began a campaign in northern Burma. The mission of the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) was to disrupt Japanese supply and communications lines.

Corregidor. On February 16, 1945, members of the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) dropped onto Corregidor in an effort to recapture the island from the Japanese.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Corregidor_(1945)

Desert Storm. On February 23, 1991, SOFDA 525 was inserted by helicopter at night and moved to a hide site to conduct a recon mission deep behind enemy lines in Iraq. On the next morning, the 24th, this 5th SFG(A) team would find itself fighting for survival against an overwhelming enemy force.
https://sof.news/history/sfoda-525/

MARSOC. On February 24, 2006, the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was officially activated at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Robin Moore. On February 21, 2008, Robin Moore, the author of The Green Berets, died. He attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and would later deploy to South Vietnam where he spent time with the 5th Special Forces Group.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Situation Update. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) says that Hamas’ Khan Younis (map) Brigade is defeated. Next big target is Rafah. The humanitarian situation and civilian casualties are the foremost concern in the international community.

Civilian Casualties. Israel is taking a lot of heat over the number of civilian casualties suffered by Palestinians in Gaza. The numbers often quoted in news media usually comes from Hamas government sources – so the claims are unverifiable and likely inflated. John Spencer, Chairman of the Urban Warfare Studies Program at the Modern War Institute at West Point, argues that Israel has taken more steps to avoid harming civilians than any other military in history. Read more in “Urban warfare expert says Israeli military taking unprecedented steps to protect Gaza civilians”, by Ruth Marks Eglash, Fox News, February 17, 2024. (sign in required)

City of Rafah. One of the last remaining strongholds for Hamas fighters and a location where many Israeli and foreign hostages are held could be the next target of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Complicating an offensive in Rafah (map, NSI) is the fact that over a million Palestinians are sheltering in the city and surrounding areas after being displace from their homes. The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire; but Hamas refuses to release the remaining hostages (over 100) and Israel won’t stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are released. There are reports that the IDF will begin an offensive in Rafah by the start of Ramadan (March 10?) if the remaining hostages are not released.

Hospital Raid by IDF. Israeli forces entered the Nassar Medical Complex in Khan Younis (map) in a “precise and limited” raid in attempt to recover the remains of hostages taken by Hamas. Thousands of displaced persons had taken refuge in the hospital. (Associated Press, 15 Feb 2024)

References:

• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Fall of Avdiivka. After many months of fierce resistance by Ukrainian forces it appears that Ukraine has withdrawn from the small city of Avdiivka (Google Maps). Shortages of supplies, ammunition, artillery rounds, and manpower have contributed to the difficulties that Ukrainian forces have had in continuing to defend the city. Without the departure from the city, Ukrainian troops would have been cut off and encircled by Russian troops. The victory came at a high cost for Russia. (Business Insider, 18 Feb 2024) A detailed account of the Battle for Avdiivka can be read here on Wikipedia.

IG Report on Ukraine. The Special Inspector General report to the U.S. Congress was recently put online. It covers the period from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The publication has an executive summary, mission update, operational update, info on security assistance, diplomacy, development, and humanitarian assistance. “Operation Atlantic Resolve“, DoS, February 2024, PDF, 158 pages.

Brave Chopper Pilots Who Resupplied Mariupol. When Russia invaded Ukraine (SOF News) in February 2022, one of its principal targets was the coastal city of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. However, the defenders held on for months despite overwhelming odds. The resistance by these fighters most likely stalled the Russian assault on Kiev and provided time for the Ukrainian defense forces to reconstitute and reorganize. The 36th Separate Marine Brigade and Azov Battalion fought a heroic defense of the city but were ultimately reduced to defending a small, four-mile in area industrial complex located on the shore of the Sea of Azov. Resupply of ammunition and the evacuation of wounded was difficult as the city was surrounded. But a handful of brave helicopter pilots provided a lifeline that prolonged the resistance in Mariupol. “The Untold Story of the Ukrainian Helicopter Rescue Missions During the Mariupol Siege”, Time, February 15, 2024.

Frontline Evacuation. Read a story of how medics tend to patients picked up from the trenches and the journey to a hospital – the race to save a life. “The quiet intimacy of a desperate frontline evacuation”, The Counteroffensive, February 15, 2024.

More News Snippets. A Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine with his Mi8 aircraft (for $1 million?) has been confirmed dead (Kyiv Post Twitter) in Spain by the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). He was shot multiple times and then run over by a vehicle in what appears to be an assassination. The U.S. Defense Department says that without U.S. funding, Ukraine’s defense will likely collapse. (DOD, 16 Feb 2024)

Battle of Irpin River. In the early days of the war, late February 2022, Russia forces were stopped short of Kyiv. One of the key factors was stopping the Russian advance on the capital from the north and northwest. Read more about this in “The Battle of Irpin River”, The British Army Review, Spring 2024, 54 pages.

Reality Check. Martin Stanton, a retired Army officer, provides his appraisal of the likely outcome of the Ukraine conflict – a negotiated peace. “The Ukraine War at Two: Time for Some Reality”, Small Wars Journal, February 14, 2024. See also “Does the West’s Ukraine policy need a reality check?”, Brookings Institute, February 15, 2024. And there is this as well “A Frozen War in Ukraine Would Be a Victory for Russia”, by Paul Poast, World Politics Review, February 16, 2024.

• References:
• Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats. On storymaps.arcgis.com See also https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html
• U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service, CRSIF12040, periodically updated, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040
• Ukraine Conflict, National Security Info. https://www.national-security.info/ukraine-conflict.html

Commentary and Reports

Air Power and IW. The Irregular Warfare Initiative has a new program called Project Air Power that will explore and advocate for the totality of air, aviation, and space power in the unconventional, hybrid, and gray-zone environments. The director is a retired USAF Air Commando, Richard D. Newton, PhD. Read more in “Air and Space Power in the Gray Zone”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 2, 2024.

IW Masters. Sal Artiaga provides details the strategic thoughts and successes of Mao Zedong, T.E. Lawrence, Michael Collins, and Vo Nguyen Giap. “The Legacy of Irregular Warfare Masters”, Irregular Warfare Center, January 31, 2024.

Report – The Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare in the Indo-Pacific Region, by Dr. Sandor Fabian and Gabrielle Kennedy, Irregular Warfare Center, February 13, 2024, PDF, 21 pages. Abstract or PDF.

National Security

Report – FARA Program Cancelled? The U.S. Army is seeking to cancel the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program in its FY2025 budget request. The program is part of an effort to improve existing rotorcraft and replace the AH-64 Apache and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. Read more in Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Program Proposed Cancellation: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12592, February 16, 2024, PDF, 3 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12592

Dropping Munitions from Drones. The increased drone activity in the Middle East and Ukraine is changing up modern warfare. The U.S. Army is trying to stay up with the times. “The 82nd Airborne is dropping munitions from drones”, Task & Purpose, February 15, 2024.

Conexs, Pallets, and Rucksacks. Anyone who has deployed has taking part in loading a Conex, pallet, and personal gear into rucksacks, duffel bags, kit bags, and team boxes. One of the never-ending questions is what to pack and what to leave in the supply room. The Army has come around to the idea that ‘leaner is better’ and more efficient. “Lighten the load: The Army’s plan to save time by shedding excess gear”, Army Times, February 13, 2024.

Border Security. The Texas government is looking at opening a base along the Rio Grande River at some point in the future. This 80-acre base camp for National Guard troops could house as many as 2,300 troops and will provide improved living conditions for those maintaining border security. (Task & Purpose, 17 Feb 2024)

SECDEF Out of Hospital. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Hospital Medical Center on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was held for two nights for “supportive care and close monitoring” in the critical care unit of the Hospital. “Austin Released From Hospital Today”, DOD News, February 13, 2024. DOD announced that he returned to work at the Pentagon on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Strategic Competition

China and IW. Sal Artiaga writes about the contrasting approaches of two world powers – China and the United States – towards irregular warfare. He says that the U.S. is playing Chess while China is playing Go. “Contrasting Chinese and American Approaches to Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Center, February 12, 2024.

China’s Gray Zone Operations. “The latest wave of gray zone operations initiated by Beijing will heighten tension in the region and increase other countries’ concerns about China’s aggressive posture. Gray-zone operations involve using irregular tactics without resorting to open combat.” “Analysts: China Challenges Taiwan’s Sovereignty Through Gray Zone Operations”, by William Yang, Voice of America, February 19, 2024.

U.S. Engagement in SE Asia. Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at RAND, takes a hard look at the limited success that the Biden administration has had in countering the influence of China in southeast Asia. With some countries – Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia – there have been some achievements. But other countries like Laos and Cambodia seem to be neglected. “The Good and the Bad for Biden in Southeast Asia”, RAND Blog, February 8, 2024.

Russia’s New Space Capability. The U.S. security establishment and politicians in D.C. a buzzing about a new space weapon (Associated Press, 15 Feb 2024) that may be part of Russia’s arsenal in the future; many characterizing it as a “serious national security threat”. At risk could be GPS and communications networks that depend on satellites. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty (Arms Control Association) prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. The White House has publicly confirmed that Russia has an anti-satellite capability that is not yet operational.

Death of Navalny. A well-known dissident and Putin critic, Alexei Navalny (age 47), is reported to have died on while in a Russian penal colony in the Arctic region of Siberia. He had survived two poisonings – with Russian intelligence agents as the suspected perpetrators. He was imprisoned in 2021. Even while imprisoned he continued his criticism of Putin to include the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “Alexey Navalny dead in a Russian penal colony, prison service says”, CBS News, February 16, 2024. See also commentary by Ambassador Daniel Fried in “Navalny’s Death and the Kremlin”, Just Security, February 16, 2024.

Afghanistan

UN Meeting on Afghanistan in Doha. On February 18-19, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene a meeting on Afghanistan in Doha to discuss the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises and the recent report on a way forward by U.N. Special Coordinator for Afghanistan Feridun Sinirlioğlu. A host of representatives from various international organizations and U.N. member states will attend. Read some news reports about the conference.

• “What to Expect from the Doha Conference on Afghanistan”, by Kate Bateman and Andrew Watkins, United States Institute of Peace, February 15, 2024.
• “The UN Doha Meeting: Sustain Aid and Confront Unyielding Taliban Rule”, by Nader Nadery, Asia Dispatches, Wilson Center, February 15, 2024.
• “The Contest for a Special Envoy: Will the meeting in Doha yield a shift in the world’s engagement with the Emirate?”, by Roxanna Shapour, Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), February 17, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Middle East

U.S. Strike Kills Afghans in Middle East. Afghan refugees who joined the Fatemiyoun Brigade have died in strikes by the United States in Syria. The Afghans join the expeditionary unit to escape crushing poverty and to battle for Shiite Islam. The brigade is estimated to be about 20,000 strong and operates under the command of Iran’s Quds Forces. “U.S. Strike Killed Afghans Recruited to Fight for Iran”, The New York Times, February 19, 2024. (subscription)

Report – Iraq: Attacks and U.S. Strikes Reopen Discussion of U.S. Military Presence, Congressional Research Service, CRS IN12309, updated February 16, 2024, PDF, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12309

IG Report on Operation Inherent Resolve. The US Department of State’s Office of Inspector General has published its quarterly report to Congress for Operation Inherent Resolve. The publication, posted online in February 2024 is 114 pages long (PDF). Major sections cover the security situation, mission update, activities of CJTF-OIR, CSOJTF-L, ISIS, talks on transitioning the U.S. presence in Iraq, the “new operating paradigm”, U.S. policy goals, IG oversight activities, and the security partners in the region (Iraqi, Kurdish, and Syrian) to include the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS) which is advised by the Special Operations Advisory Group. Russia and Turkey get a mention as well.

Yemen. The situation in the seas around Yemen has not improved. There are unconfirmed news reports that the Houthis have shot down a MQ-9 Reaper. In addition, the Houthis are using unmanned underwater vessels (UUV) (USNI News, 19 Feb 2024) and unmanned surface vessels (USV). On February 18, 2024, an anti-ship ballistic missile struck a UK-owned bulk carrier. The crew was evacuated and transported to a nearby port. Some news reports say the Houthis are now using underwater drones.

Podcasts and Videos

Podcast – Analyzing Emerging IW Trends. LTG (ret) David Barno and Dr. Nora Bensahel analyze the emerging trends in the character of Irregular Warfare as seen in the ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza. The Trident, U.S. Naval College, February 15, 2024, 1 hour. https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/the-trident/2/

Podcast – Three Missions in Panjwai District. A Special Forces NCO tells of his time in a dangerous district in southern Afghanistan that was littered with IEDs. Ryan Hendrickson shares his stories on The Spear Podcast, Modern War Institute at West Point, February 14, 2024.

Podcast – Flashpoints in the US-China Relationship. This podcast is focused on the book entitled Facing China: The Prospect for War and Peace, which examines various flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific that could result in military conflict. Bonnie Glaser and Jean-Pierre Cabestan are featured in this 22-minute episode presented by the German Marshall Fund. (20 Feb 2024)

Video – 5th SFG(A) Tactical Skills Assessment. Soldiers from across all battalions of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) teamed up and conducted a three-day tactical skills assessment Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2024, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The assessment included day and night marksmanship, stress shoots, tactical combat casualty care, timed rucks, and land navigation. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Summers, 5th SFG(A) Public Affairs) (DVIDS, 7 Feb 2024, 1 minute)

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

March 11-13, 2024
Irregular Warfare COI Symposium
Mclean, Virginia

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

June 24-25, 2024
CIWAG Maritime Symposium – Newport, R.I.
Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: A 31st Rescue Squadron pararescueman jumps out of an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing over Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 19, 2024. Pararescuemen are trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery operations in both peacetime and combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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SOF News

Report – U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Considerations for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS RS21048, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 13 pages. Considerations for Congress include Army Special Forces recruiting and possible force structure reductions and Air Force Special Operations Power Projection Wings and future unit relocations. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/RS21048

New Ruck for Airborne Commo Soldiers. The U.S. Army Airborne Test Force (ATF) located at Yuma Test Center, Yuma Proving Ground, recently tested the Army’s newest Radio Carrier Rucksack (RCR) solution. The RCR was developed and produced by the Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. It was tested in combat-realistic scenarios to see if the RCRs could be used in parachute operations without damage to radios or the ruck. “Airborne Test Force tests field radio ruck to survive airborne combat missions”, by Ana Henderson, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, DVIDS, February 8, 2024.

SOCOM Seeking Kamikaze Drones. The United States Special Operations Command is on the lookout for a loitering munitions capability that can be launched from AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, MQ-9 Reader drones, MH-60 helicopter and other platforms. “SOCOM gearing up to assess air-launched kamikaze drones”, Defensescoop, February 8, 2024.

SOF and Lessons Learned. The commander of USSOCOM, General Bryan Fenton, recently spoke with reporters during a Defense Writers Group event on February 9th. He provided some insight on how USSOCOM is learning from current conflicts. “U.S. Special Operators ‘Gobbling Up’ Lessons Learned in Ukraine, Gaza”, National Defense Magazine, February 9, 2024.

Floating Navy SEAL Base. The USS Lewis B. Puller is an expeditionary sea base (Business Insider, 5 Feb 2024) stationed in the Arabian Sea. it is used as a launching pad for Naval Special Warfare units and missions as well as a wide variety of military operations. The two SEALs lost in the VBSS mission on a dhow off the coast of Somalia were launched in a small boat from the Puller.

Army SOF to Transfer to Baumholder. U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at a rural base in southwestern Germany in 2026, adding 1,000 people to a garrison once on the Pentagon’s chopping block. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) is expected to remain in Stuttgart. “Transfer of Army special operators to Baumholder on track for 2026”, Stars and Stripes, February 6, 2024.

Blacksmith Publishing is a media partner of SOF News. They are a book publishing firm, sell ‘Pinelander Swag’, have a weekly podcast called The Pinelander.

Cuts to PSYOP Units. Key psychological operations capabilities may soon be cut from the U.S. Army in an effort to trim USASOC force structure. “US may cut info-warfare assets as China, Russia expand influence ops”, Defense One, February 8, 2024.

U.S. Psychological Warfare Capability in Decline. Cole Livieratos and Ken Gleiman, two former Army officers, outline the long history of PYSOP and the proposed cut to United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) force structure that will gut the U.S. military’s ability to understand and influence the modern battlefield. “Special Operations Force Structure: Strategic Calculus or Organizational Power?”, War on the Rocks, February 6, 2024.

10th SFG(A) and VirTra Training. The VirTra simulator is a program featuring technology that can present different scenarios to its users which helps sharpen shooting skills. The different scenario options that VirTra features include active threat, hostage situation, threat recognition and high-risk entry. Through these scenarios, the VirTra simulator is actively analyzing the decisions that its users make and then adjusting what happens in the program based on those decisions. “VirTra Reality Simulator Training”, DVIDS, February 2, 2024.

10th SFG(A) Soldiers and Mountain Climbing. The NCOIC of the Special Operations Mountain Training Warfare Training Center is no stranger to high mountains and cold weather. “Summit or Survival: A Green Beret’s Odyssey From Everest to Denali”, Global Rescue, February 7, 2024.

Jacobs Loses Big SOCOM Contract. Jacobs lost out on a contract worth $2.8 billion for the Special Operations Forces IT Enterprise Contract (SITEC). (Washington Technology, 7 Feb 2024)

C-27 Spartan. One of the Army’s biggest aircraft is flown by the USASOC Flight Company located at Fort Liberty, North Carolina (FBNC). (The Aviationist, 7 Feb 2024)

SEALs in Exercise Dragon Trident. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators recently took part in an exercise that saw them infiltrating a fixed defensive position located in Nevada. (DVIDS, 9 Feb 2024)

International SOF

Ukrainian SOF. Ukraine says its special forces blew up a Black Sea mining platform in the night to throw off Russian drone operations. The SOF unit approached the platform in small boats, searched the facility, and then blew it up. (Business Insider, 6 Feb 2024)

Training UKRSOF. United States Special Operations Forces began training the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in 2015. Much of that initial training instruction emphasized a comprehensive irregular warfare skillset over the formerly adopted Spetsnaz approach. Currently Task Group – Ukraine (TG-U), part of the much larger Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force 10 (CJSOTF-1), is responsible for training, equipping, and advising UKRSOF. The CJSOTF collaborates with the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine (SAG-U). “The Key to Ukrainian Victory is Partnering (not Ukrainifying)”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 6, 2024.

NATO SOF. On February 8, 2024, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Belgium. The committee members received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defense. (NATO, 9 Feb 2024)

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Situation Update. The conflict in Gaza Strip continues. Israeli actions are now focused on southern Gaza with operations underway in Khan Younis and future operations to be conducted in Rafa (The Hill, 9 Feb 2024) close to the Egyptian border. Most of the population of Gaza has been displaced with as many as 1.4 million in Rafa city. Rafa remains one of the last holdout areas of Hamas – an estimate of four battalions, intermixed with the refugees and city population. Attempts of a negotiated settlement have been unsuccessful. “Palestinians brace for Rafah assault as Israel promises evacuation plan”, Reuters, February 10, 2024.

Hostages. Hama still has over 130 hostages seized during the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. It is estimated that about 1/5 of hostages taken by Hamas are now dead. Two hostages, ages 60 and 70, were rescued by Israeli commandos on Sunday, February 11, 2024. They were held in Rafah; the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah as a diversion.

King of Jordan in Airdrop Over Gaza. A video showed King Abdullah in military gear on board a plane in the latest mission by the Jordanian Air Force to drop urgent medical supplies to field hospitals it runs in Gaza. Thus far, Jordan has conducted 11 air drops. “Jordan’s King Abdullah participates in Gaza aid drop”, The Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2024.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Ten Year Anniversary of Ukraine War. In February 2014, Russia seized Crimea. Some nations conflate conventional warfare with war. However, irregular warfare – such as the taking of Crimea from Ukraine with “little green men” – is not recognized as warfare. Andrew Maher outlines four important lessons that can be drawn from the Ukraine conflict. “The anniversary of war in Ukraine – 10 years, not two years”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, February 7, 2024.

New Ukraine Military Leader. The popular general leading the armed forces of Ukraine has been relieved by President Zelensky. The president says he is looking for a different approach to mobilization, recruitment, and frontline management. The new Commander-in-Chief is General Oleksandr Syrskyi – the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces since 2019. “Ukraine’s new military chief focused on high-tech, command and control”, C4ISRNET, February 9, 2024.

Unmanned Systems Force. Drones have proven very effective for the Ukrainian military both on land and at sea. The security situation on the Black Sea has been improved for the Ukrainians because of airborne and seaborne drones equipped with explosives. As a result of the effectiveness of drones Ukraine has established a separate command for the use of UAVs.

Report – Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Igor Delanoe has provided a report on the performance and current status of the Black Sea Fleet. He describes how it has moved from the offense to an active defense. The Russian vessels have begun operating at a greater distance from the Ukrainian coasts. The Russians have learned some lessons from the current conflict and will likely be incorporating them into future naval operations – both in the Black Sea and around the globe. Foreign Policy Research Institute, February 2024, PDF, 22 pages.

Report – The Kremlin’s Occupation Playbook. This publication describes the coerced Russification and ethnic cleansing taking place in occupied Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War, February 2024, PDF, 29 pages.

Report – Evolution Not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine. Stacie Pettyjohn has published a detailed report on how drones have transformed the battlefield in the war in Ukraine. Center of a New American Security (CNAS), February 8, 2024, PDF, 67 pages.

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

National Security

Yemen Strikes. The United States has continued its campaign against Houthi missile sites and naval attack drones in recent days. In the past week U.S. forces have destroyed 29 missiles in Yemen and 10 drone ships.

SECDEF Back in Hospital. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Pentagon Press Secretary announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for a developing health issue. Austin has transferred the functions and duties of the SECDEF office to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The CJCS, White House, and Congress has been notified. The press release didn’t specify if it was a day visit or overnight stay. (DOD, 11 Feb 2024)

Border Security Bill, Dead on Arrival. The Senate worked for four months to come up with a compromise bill that would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and also improve border security and improve the immigration process. However, it died a quick death. Now Congress is looking to put together an aid bill for Ukraine and Israel that both political parties and both chambers of Congress can agree on. At the same time, there is a bipartisan push to include an amendment (formerly called the Afghan Adjustment Act) that would assist the many Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021 as well as certain categories of Afghan military personnel. If included, the language would provide the possibility to apply for Special Immigrant Visa status for former members of the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC), the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and the Special Mission Wing (SMW).

Growing Importance of PMCs. The influence of private military organizations like Blackwater and Wagner Grup is set to increase in the coming decades. Read about the long history and coming future of mercenary groups. “The Future of Private Military Companies”, by Federica Saini Fasanotti, GIS Reports, February 6, 2024.

Report – U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas, Congressional Research Service, CRS R42784, updated February 5, 2024, PDF, 142 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R42784

Report – Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS R45811, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 36 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45811

Report – Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Congressional Research Service, CRS IF10613, updated February 8, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. The CRS has published a paper that describes what the FTO list is, the designation criteria, and who is on the list. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10613

Podcasts and Videos

Podcast – Stay Behind Operations. Brian Petit (retired SF officer) and Marta Kepe (RAND Corporation) are the guests for this podcast episode that contrasts conventional conflict with resistance warfare. They discuss how small states can impose outsized costs on occupying powers by operating behind enemy lines. Irregular Warfare Podcast, February 9, 2024, 46 minutes. https://irregularwarfare.org/podcasts/stay-behind-operations/

Video – What is Irregular Warfare? The Joint Special Operations University describes the nature of IW. February 8, 2024, YouTube, February 8, 2024, 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7LtwQ-WRg

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., descends after conducting air refueling operations with a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, Sept. 30, 2019, over central Utah. The Utah Air National Guard’s KC-135R fleet is capable of refueling a variety of fighters, bombers and heavy cargo aircraft in the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps inventory. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)

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U.S. Strikes Back

U.S. Strikes in Iraq and Syria. On Friday, February 2, 2024, the United States conducted numerous airstrikes against targets in the Middle East in response to the deaths of three U.S. soldiers killed in a drone attack (SOF News, 29 Jan 2024) by Iranian-backed militants. According to a Central Command press release the air attacks occurred in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. Seven facilities, which included 85 targets, were struck by aircraft delivering 125 precision munitions. Two of the aircraft were B1B bombers that flew without stopping from the U.S., conducting a midair refuel while in flight. The facilities struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, missiles, logistics sites, and more. According to U.S. officials, the timing of the attack had a lot to do with favorable weather. Additional attacks will take place in the future.

The U.S. has assessed that the drone that killed three U.S. soldiers was manufactured by Iran. (Reuters, 1 Feb 2024) Most of the drones used in the Middle East by militants are of Iranian origin. Iran supplies a lot of drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.

SOF News

Triad Partnership. The Army’s top generals for cyber, space and special operations forces met to discuss the Triad partnership and how they can further develop, operationalize and institutionalize the collaboration. The meeting of the “Triad 3-Star General Officer Steering Committee” took place at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, on January 31, 2024. “Top Army’s generals for cyber, space, and special operations convene for Triad partnership”, DVIDS, February 2, 2024.

Vickers at Princeton. Former Green Beret and CIA operative Michael Vickers spoke at the Center for International Security Studies at Princeton University on January 29, 2024. This article presents a detailed background of Vickers and then summarizes Vicker’s presentation at the event. He shared insights on his career as well provided commentary on past and present U.S. foreign policy. “From ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ to Princton Lecture Hall”, by Linda Sipprelle, TAPinto Princton, January 31, 2024.

Rangers and Green Berets. Joshua Skovlund tells us how U.S. Army Special Forces and the 75th Ranger Regiment are different. “What’s the difference between Army Rangers and Green Berets”, Task & Purpose, February 2, 2024.

GB is Congressional Candidate. Colby Jenkins, a former U.S. Army Special Forces colonel and combat veteran is running as a Republican for the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah. Deseret News, February 3, 2024.

NSW Training and Sewage. San Diego congressional members are asking the Navy to shed light on how much training has been cancelled or postponed due to sewage coming from Tijuana. “Is sewage crisis affecting Navy SEALs training in Coronado?”, The San Diego Union-Tribune, February 2, 2024.

Books on SF. Green Berets know a thing or two about what makes a good story. Read “The 5 best books about Special Forces – according to Green Berets”, by Joshua Skovlund, Task & Purpose, February 1, 2024.

International SOF

Belgian SOF Engineers. Belgium has a SOF engineer unit that comprises specific engineering capabilities within 3 Parachute Battalion (3Para) and 2 Commando Battalion (2Cdo). The unit has divers, boats, a search, clearance, and breaching section, and military sniffer dogs. “Belgian Special Operations Engineer Detachment”, Joint-Forces.com, January 29, 2024.

SOF Units Around the World. Shannon Corbell has presented a list of the 10 most lethal special operations units. Almost all the usual suspects are mentioned, in no particular order. We Are The Mighty, January 31, 2024.

ROK and US SOF Conduct Training. U.S. Navy Naval Special Warfare Command and U.S. Army Special Operations Command personnel partnered with their Republic of Korea counterparts, participating in various special operations forces-unique training events that enhanced both nations’ capacity to respond to a variety of complex situations in January 2024. “ROK-US demonstrate enduring SOF relationship with first combined training of 2024”, DVIDS, January 31, 2024.

Tet Offensive and a Vietnamese Ranger Bn. 56 years ago Keith Nightingale was the senior advisor to the 52nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion during the Tet offensive. “One Team. One Fight”, Small Wars Journal, February 1, 2024.

SOF History

193rd SOW. One year ago, on February 2, 2023, the 193rd Special Operations Wing received its first MC-130J Commando II. This signaled the wing’s transition to a new aircraft and a new mission.
https://sof.news/afsoc/193rd-sow-mc-130j/

Battle of Lang Vei. On the evening of February 6, 1968, a U.S. Special Forces camp in South Vietnam came under attack. The members of the 5th SFG(A) detachment and indigenous Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) forces were overrun. Some of the SF team were able to make their way to the Khe Sanh Combat Base held by the U.S. Marines. Battle of Lang Vei, Wikipedia.

History of the Rangers. There are some in the special operations community that celebrate February 1, 1969, as the birthday of the 75th Rangers. The U.S. Army seems to have chosen a different date. Kenn Miller explains the heritage and confused history of the U.S. Army Rangers. “A Tangled Lineage”, Sentinel.

Backpack Nukes and SF. Read up on the Special Forces mission to insert behind enemy lines with backpack nuclear weapons. “Red Menace, Black Ops, Green Light”, The Highside, February 1, 2024.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

10% of UNRWA Have Ties to Militant Groups. According to intelligence reports reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, around 10% of all the Gaza staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency have ties to Islamist militant groups. The UNRWA is the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency. There are about 12,000 on the UNRWA staff in Gaza. (WSJ, Jan 29, 2024, subscription) The United States and several other nations have suspended funding for the UNRWA. The U.S. is likely the largest donor to the UNRWA; Hamas is still holding at least six Americans hostage. The UN agency warns that it will likely have to halt operations in the region by the end of the month due to the suspended funding (CNN, 1 Feb 2024) See also an overview of the UNRWA by the Congressional Research Service, February 2, 2024, PDF, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12316

Gaza Residents Homeless. More than half of the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip are displaced, and many are gathered together in a small part of southern Gaza in the area of the Egyptian border. They are becoming more at risk due to disease and hunger as well as the combat operations taking place near the refugee centers. Things will get worse once Israel intensifies military operations in the vicinity of Rafah – the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s Deep Defense. There were many observers of the Ukraine conflict looking forward to Ukraine’s late fall – winter offensive. The results were disappointing. There were Ukrainian successes on the Black Sea but not so much on land. Limited territory gains by Ukraine were bought at great cost in personnel and material. Throughout the later part of 2023 the Russians had adopted a policy of deep and prepared defenses. Stephen Biddle examines this in detail in “How Russia Stopped Ukraine’s Momentum”, Foreign Affairs, January 29, 2024.

Russia in the Offense. The static nature of the conflict on the ground in eastern Ukraine continues. There are indications that Ukraine is now in a defensive posture in the face of continued Russian offensive attempts. Some observers believe that Russian forces have regained the initiative along most of the front lines with the exception of Kherson Oblast. Russian forces are suffering less from artillery barrages due to an acute shortage of ammunition on the Ukrainian side. “They Come in Waves: Ukraine Goes on Defense Against a Relentless Foe”, The New York Times, February 4, 2024. (subscription)

Maritime Success for Ukraine. The Russian Black Sea fleet continues to suffer losses. This past week the Russian corvette Ivanovets was sent to the bottom of the sea after being attacked by six seaborne surface drones. The small missile carrying warship sank with an estimated 40 Russian sailors.

SOF Medics and Medical Evacuation. The Ukrainian special operations forces that conduct missions deep behind enemy lines do not enjoy medical evacuation by helicopter. Instead, they rely on each other for medical treatment and movement back to a medical facility in friendly held territory. Read how medics of the elite 73rd Naval Centre of Special Operations provide medical assistance in extremely difficult conditions. “I’m a special forces medic – this is how troops fighting Putin stay alive”, Metro, February 3, 2024.

Disinformation Battle. A recent paper outlines the ways that Ukraine combats the disinformation campaigns of Russia. It outlines ten lessons that the West could learn from the unique Ukrainian experience. How Ukraine fights Russian disinformation: Beehive vs mammoth, Hybrid CoE Research Report 11, January 2024, PDF, 48 pages.

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

Commentary

Silent Killer of GWOT Vets. Cancer is striking the veterans of the Global War on Terror at rates that recall Agent Orange. “A silent killer is stalking veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan”, Defense One, February 1, 2024.

Cordesman – an Icon Passes Away. A highly respected commentator of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and Afghanistan died on January 29, 2024. Anthony Cordesman was a former intelligence analyst turned author and commentator. He was not shy in pointing out the many missteps of the U.S. in the GWOT conflicts around the world, especially in Afghanistan. “Anthony Cordesman, security analyst who saw flaws in U.S. policy, dies at 84”, The Washington Post, January 31, 2024. (subscription)

National Security

Defeating Drones. Quadcopter drones are small, maneuverable, hard to detect, and cheap to buy. They are good for reconnaissance as well as carrying munitions that can target individuals, vehicles, command posts, air defense equipment, and more. Although inexpensive to purchase they are expensive to shoot down. In enough numbers, defending against drones can exhaust your budget. “The challenge of cheap drones: finding an even cheaper way to destroy them”, by Bradley Perrett, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, January 29, 2024. See also an article about how drones have become the weapon of choice for military ‘underdogs’ and terror groups. (Sky News, 3 Feb 2024)

PRIME sUSV. The Department of Defense is envisioning future fleets of low-cost drone boats for the U.S. Navy. The Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (PRIME) Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle (ssUSV) project is similar to a capability demonstrated by the Houthi militants of Yemen and the Ukrainian military. “Drone Boat Swarm Vision Laid Out by DoD”, The WarZone, February 1, 2024.

Border Crisis. The Senate is headed for a crucial test vote on new border policies and Ukraine aid. (AP News, 1 Feb 2024) A bipartisan border deal that pairs migration deterrents with Ukraine funding has been negotiated in the Senate. However, the $118 billion package faces opposition from lawmakers on the left and right. The speaker of the house has called it “dead on arrival”. “Senate negotiators release sweeping border and military aid bill”, The Washington Post, February 4, 2024. (subscription) One version is posted here.

Strategic Competition

“Plan Red” – Russia’s Invasion of the Baltics. What would Russia’s war on NATO look like? This is how the Kremlin’s generals might do it. “Code Red: How Russia Conquers the Baltics”, by Jan Kallberg, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), January 30, 2024.

Baltic Defense Line. Three nations bordering on Russia are joining efforts to build a Baltic defense line. The hope is that this defensive effort, along with NATO presence and increasing Baltic preparedness will deter Russia from invading Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia. Lukas Milevski provides some details. “The Baltic Defense Line”, Foreign Policy Research Initiative, February 2, 2024.

Russia in Africa. The Kremlin is now moving to compete directly with the West in Africa – especially in the Sahel region. “Russia Steps Up the Competition in Africa”, by Raphael Parens, Foreign Policy Research Institute, January 11, 2024. See also “The New Wagner? Africa Corps in Burkina Faso Outlook”, by Joseph Balodis, Grey Dynamics, February 4, 2024.

Asia

Drones for India. One of the world’s most deadly remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) will soon be sold to India through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The country is purchasing 31 of the ‘Sky Guardian’ variant of the MQ-9B. The Sky Guardians will be equipped with AGM-114R Hellfire air-surface missiles that can be used for precision drone strikes. The MQ-9s can also perform ISR and serve as communication nodes and relay centers between sensors and shooters. (The EurAsian Times, 2 Feb 2024)

Myanmar at War. For the last few years, the conflict in Myanmar has intensified. In 2023 there were over 2,000 civilian casualties – including over 700 fatalities. Most of these were caused by the Myanmar government forces. Millions of people have been displaced yet the conflict between the government forces and rebel forces receives very little international attention. “Myanmar: three years of a devastating, under-reported war”, Action on Armed Violence, February 2, 2024. See also “Military Abuses Against Civilians Intensify”, Human Rights Watch, January 30, 2024.

Afghanistan

Ambassador to Iraq Nomination. “The woman who failed to rescue U.S. friends from the Taliban is Biden’s nominee for ambassador to Iraq”. According to a recent news article, the person in charge of the SIV Taskforce during the fiasco of late summer 2021 is going to be an ambassador. “Tracy Jacobson Abandoned Our Afghan Allies. Now She’s Getting a Promotion”, The Free Press, January 31, 2024.

Legal Standing of Taliban Regime. An Afghan legal scholar argues that the Taliban cannot be formally recognized as Afghanistan’s government under international law in light of its abysmal rights record. “The Taliban’s Approach to International Law Could Determine the Legal Status of Their Regime”, by Haroun Rahimi, Jurist.org, February 2, 2024.

AAA in the Border Security Bill. The national security supplemental proposed by Senate leadership includes provisions of the Afghan Adjustment Act, a bipartisan effort years in the making that would create a pathway to residency for Afghans who worked alongside U.S. soldiers in America’s longest war. https://www.sinema.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Border-Act-2024-Section-by-Section-1.pdf

Afghan Passports. Leaving Afghanistan is difficult. Some Afghans have managed to be relocated to Europe, the United States, and elsewhere by other countries due to their work relationship over the past twenty years with foreign militaries or government agencies. But one stumbling block is getting an Afghan passport. “The Daily Hustle: Mission impossible – the quest for passports and visas in Afghanistan”, Afghanistan Analyst Network, February 4, 2024.

Video – HFAC Roundtable on Taliban Reprisals. The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a conference on current events in Afghanistan and the plight of Afghans who worked for the U.S. during the 20-year involvement of the U.S. in the Afghan conflict. Among those giving testimony is former Green Beret Justin Sapp. HFAC, YouTube, January 31, 2024, 2 hours. (video starts at the 19 min mark) https://www.youtube.com/live/lznK1DhShqg?si=my72EYruOilarWW2&t=1140

Take the edge off of winter. Head south for some warm water adventure.

Middle East

More U.S. Attacks on Yemen. A new wave of airstrikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen (map NSI) took place on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The United Kingdom participated in the attacks against the Houthis. Targets included weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars. The Iranian-backed Houthi militants have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial shipping vessels and U.S. warships since mid-November 2023. (DoD, 3 Feb 2024) According to CENTCOM, additional strikes took place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, in morning (Sanaa time).

• “Red Sea Attacks”, Reuters, February 2, 2024. Reuters has produced an excellent report with maps and graphics on how Houthi militants in Yemen are attacking ships in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
• Yemen: Conflict, Maritime Attacks, and U.S. Policy, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12581, February 1, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12581
• Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea: Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS IN12301, January 31, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12301

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Upcoming Events

February 8, 2024
Global SOF Imperatives Forum
Washington, DC

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

Podcasts, Journals, and Videos

Ranger Reading List. The Three Rangers Foundation has posted a listing and biography of authors who are Rangers. https://www.threerangersfoundation.org/ranger-reading-list

Podcast – Armed Politics. General Sir Nick Carter and Dr. Joe Felter (retired SF colonel) are the guests on this podcast that focuses on a theory of armed politics. According to Carter, those engaged in war today need to deeply understand every level of politics – as neglecting this understanding can have catastrophic effects. Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 26, 2024, 52 minutes. https://irregularwarfare.org/podcasts/armed-politics/

Sentinel. The Journal of the Quiet Professionals has posted its February 2024 monthly issue online. Some interest articles about U.S. Army Rangers, leadership, the holocaust, and more. PDF, 20 pages.

Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, Vol. 7, No. 1, January-February 2024, PDF, 131 pages. This issue’s focus is on Thailand.

Movie Trailer – The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. During World War II Winston Churchill took a strong interest in the use of espionage and commandos that operate behind enemy lines. YouTube, 2 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvwDen1Wrx8

Video – I Barely Survived the Navy SEAL Obstacle Course. Austen Alexander tries out the BUD/S obstacle course at the Naval Special Warfare training center in Coronado, California. Austen Alexander, YouTube, May 19, 2023, 18 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVwtsNOtqjA

Video – The Korean War: The First Year, Army University Press, YouTube, January 22, 2024, 25mins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oTKKzrkkxQ

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, a one-way drone armed with an explosive was launched by an Iranian-backed militia group that killed three U.S. Army soldiers in northeastern Jordan. In addition to the three deaths, more than 40 U.S. service members were injured. Eight of the injured were in stable condition but were flown to further medical treatment to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq. Three of those patients are scheduled to be transported to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for follow-on care; one of these patients in critical but stable condition.

The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Georgia. The brigade is part of the U.S. Army Reserve. They were deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and the international coalition working to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS.

The deceased soldiers are:

• Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia
• Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia
• Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia

The one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS) impacted their container housing units. Some news reports state that the OWUAS followed or arrived at the Tower 22 location the same time that a U.S. military drone was returning to the outpost. This contributed to the attacking drone not being engaged by the U.S. forces base air defense systems. It is speculated that the drone attack came from Iraq. A White House statement blamed the attack on radical Iran-backed militant groups. The Iraq border is only ten miles away.

The location of the attack is a small military post known as “Tower 22” (The Intel Crab, Twitter) very close to the tri-border area of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The area is known as Rukban and there was a large refugee camp in the area at one time during the occupation of much of Syria by the Islamic State several years ago. It is believed that U.S. forces have been at the Tower 22 location since 2015.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group emerged after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. It was formed from several militias that are aligned with Iran, some with a history of attacking U.S. interests in Iraq and Syria.

The Al Tanf garrison, which in the past has served as a launch pad for an American SOF contingent, is just across the border in Syria – about 12 miles north. The Al Tanf garrison is also a site of U.S. conventional troops. Al Tanf, in Syria, sits on a key highway that links Iraq with Syria. Tower 22, in Jordan, is part of a cluster of smaller bases supporting Al Tanf. According to CENTCOM, Tower 22 is a logistics base with approximately 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel that support the effort to defeat ISIS.

Jordan has been a key ally for the United States in the Middle East. A number of military exercises, such as Exercise Eager Lion, take place each year. In 2016 three Green Berets were killed in Jordan. The three were members of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) who came under fire while entering a Jordanian airbase. in 2017 another member of the 5th SFG(A) died in a non-combat related incident. Currently there are over 2,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Jordan.

In response to this drone attack the Biden administration has convened a series of meetings in the White House Situation Room with members of the national security team. They have been discussing the latest developments in the Middle East and this recent attack in Jordan. On the table is exactly how to respond to the attack. Most likely, according to national security ‘experts’, there will be U.S. attacks against Iranian proxies in the region.

The number of attacks against the U.S. in the Middle East have increased significantly since the Israeli response to the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. From October 17th to January 29th, there have been 165 attacks against U.S. troops and facilities. Iraq – 66, Syria – 98, and this one in Jordan.

There is a lot for the U.S. to consider in its search for a response. How to deter Iran from future attacks yet, at the same time, not escalate the tense Middle East situation into a wider conflict? To what extent is the U.S. already involved in a wider Middle East conflict? What level of response should take place – one that is ‘proportional’ or one that would punish Iran and its proxies? Should the U.S. scale back its presence in the Middle East, leaving it less exposed? Should the U.S. hit leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?

****

“DoD Identifies Army Casualties”, DOD, January 29, 2024.

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: The guided missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy fires an SM-2 Block III missile during a live-fire exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 23, 2024. Photo by Navy Chief Petty Officer Alan Doerter. Read more about this surface to air missile in “A $2M missile vs. a $2,000 drone: Pentagon worried over cost of Houthi attacks”, Politico, December 19, 2023.

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Three U.S. Service Members Killed by Drone

CENTCOM announced that three U.S. service members were killed in a one-way drone attack in northeastern Jordan on Saturday night, January 27, 2024. CENTCOM also said that 34 were wounded in the attack – some with TBI and eight that had to be evacuated to a higher-level medical facility. A White House statement blamed the attack on radical Iran-backed militant groups. The drone is reported to have detonated near sleeping quarters.

The location of the attack is a small military post known as “Tower 22” (The Intel Crab, Twitter) very close to the tri-border area of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The Al Tanf garrison, which in the past has served as a launch pad for an American SOF contingent, is just across the border in Syria. The Al Tanf garrison is also a site of conventional troops as well. Tower 22 is part of a cluster of smaller bases supporting Al Tanf. According to CENTCOM, it is a logistics base with approximately 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel that support the effort to defeat ISIS.

SOF News

Missing SEALs Identified. The search and rescue efforts to locate Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram concluded January 21, 2024. The two SEALs were reported missing at sea while they were conducting a night-time seizure (SOF News) of a vessel (VBSS) illegally transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen. Their status, after a long search, had been changed to deceased by CENTCOM on January 21, 2024.

WMD, SOF, and the Maritime Environment. A highly mobile and flexible capability for detecting CBRNE indicators is a national defense capability that needs to be expanded and refined. The CANARY SoS is a program that is designed to solve provide this capability. The concept includes a Navy EOD team as part of a forward SOF element employing a UAS capability linked with comms to transmit data. Read more in “Engineering Special Operations”, Proceedings, U.S. Naval Institute, January 2024.

Robin Sage – 50 Years Later. Special Forces candidates are in the woods and mountains of North Carolina participating in an unconventional warfare exercise. 2024 marks 50 years since the Green Beret exercise called Robin Sage has been held. The field exercise actually dates back to the 1950s – but under a different name. “50 Years of Robin Sage”, CBS17.com, January 27, 2024.

Enhancing AFSOC’s C-130s. Some off the shelf radar solutions could increase the capabilities of the Air Force Special Operations Command’s Ghostrider and Commando II platforms. “AESA Radars For AC-130J, MC-130J Sought By SOCOM”, The Drive WarZone, January 26, 2024.

PSYOP Selection. Before entering the ranks of PSYOP, soldiers must pass through the Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection course. Read about it in “What is PSYOP Assessment and Selection like?”, Task & Purpose, January 26, 2024.

ELR-SR Program. The Extreme Long Range – Sniper Rifle program is looking for a replacement for the M107 Barret and MK15 sniper rifles. Read the details in this article published by Business Insider on January 28, 2024.

Marine Raiders. The Critical Skills Operators of the Marine Corps Force Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that pass the Individual Training Course (ITC) and then serve in Marine Raider position. Read up on the history, organization, TTPs, training pipeline, equipment, weapons, and vehicles of the Marine Raiders. “MARSOC Marine Raiders: Always Faithful, Always Forward”, by Michael Ellmer, Grey Dynamics, January 25, 2024.

SOCPAC Maritime Training. Philippine government agencies and U.S. Special Operations Task Force 511.2 participated in a Joint Maritime Security Training Exercise (DVIDS, Nov 2023) Nov. 20-24, 2023, in the Philippines. Some of the training events were maintaining maritime domain awareness and VBSS (NSI) scenarios.

International SOF

CANSOF Departs Niger. As of January 2024, Canada no longer has special operations forces in Niger. As many as fifty CANSOF personnel have been deployed to Niger for the past ten years on Operation Naberius. “Canada withdraws its last special-forces troops from Niger”, The Globe and Mail, January 22, 2024.

UK SF. The Commander of Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, states that Britain’s Special Forces act as a “vanguard for defence”. The UK SF helps the wider military to evolve leading to new and different ways of working. The UK Special Forces consist of the Special Air Service (SAS), Special Boat Service (SBS), Special Reconnaissance Regiment and 18 (UKSF) Signals Regiment. “UK Special Forces a Vanguard for Defence”, Forces.net, January 22, 2024.

SOF History

AC-119 Gunship. Read up on the early history of cargo planes converted into airborne gunships. “How Cargo Haulers Turned into Gunships Rained Fire on the Enemy in Vietnam”, by Barry Levine, History.net, January 22, 2024.

WWII PoW Rescue. On January 30, 1945, over 500 prisoners of war were rescued at the Cabanatuan prisoner of war camp during WWII in the Philippines by a combined force of 6th Ranger Battalion, Alamo Scouts, and Philippine guerrillas. https://arsof-history.org/articles/v14n2_cabanatuan_page_1.html

Battle of Najaf. On January 28-29, 2007, a fierce fight took place in Najaf, Iraq. Three special operations combat controllers were key to the unleashing of air power on the enemy. They directed F-16s, A-10s, AC-130s, AH-64s, F/A-18s, and RAF Tornados onto targets – dropping more than 10,500 lbs. of bombs. “The Battle of Najaf”, Combat Control Foundation, January 28, 2007.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Defunding of UNRWA. Israeli authorities have provided the United Nations Relief and Works Agency with information about the alleged involvement of twelve UNRWA employees in the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The UNRWA is the UN agency that provides humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and other locations throughout the region. The United States (DoS, 26 Jan 2024), seven European nations, Canada, and Australia have decided to temporarily suspend funding the UNRWA. The UNRWA has terminated (UNRWA, 26 Jan 2024) the contracts of the staff members and is launching an investigation into the incident. “More countries pause funds for UN Palestinian agency”, Reuters, January 27, 2024.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Situation Update. Constanze Stelzenmuller provides an update on the current situation in Ukraine. The Kremlin is redoubling its attacks on the ground and in the air. Russia has made modest gains in northeast Ukraine, but at a very high cost in personnel and equipment. The Russian air campaign has stepped up in recent months with numerous drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles hitting a variety of targets in Ukraine. “A midwinter update on Ukraine”, Brookings Institute, January 26, 2024.

Russian Transport Plane Crashes. A Russian IL-76 cargo plane crashed Belgorod Oblast, Russia near the Ukrainian border. On board, according to Russian press releases, were over 60 captured Ukrainian prisoners of war to be exchanged in a POW swap. The circumstances of the crash remain unclear. “Russian military plane crashes near Ukraine border”, Washington Examiner, January 24, 2024.

Drone Warfare. Both sides have found offensive campaigns are costly and only modest territory is the net result. Drones have a lot to do with this outcome. “Cheap but lethally accurate: how drones froze Ukraine’s frontlines”, The Guardian, January 25, 2024.

FPV Drones Changing the Battlefield. “First-Person-View” (FPV) drones, some only costing $500, have reshaped modern warfare. These cheap and small UAVs can accurately deliver a warfare against personnel, vehicles, and equipment. Both the Ukrainians and Russians are using them to great effect. Ukraine initially led in FPV technology, but the Russians have caught and can scale up drone production much quicker. This very comprehensive article explains in in detail: “Inside Ukraine’s secret FPV drone labs racing to stay ahead of Russia”, Euromaiden Press, January 25, 2024.

U.S. Money to Ukraine – Not So Much. The U.S. Congress seems to be unable to come to an agreement that would allow additional funding for Ukraine. Republicans are tying the funds for Ukraine to increasing the U.S. southern border security and reforming immigration policy. Democrats are reluctant to adopt the border security measures desired by the Republicans. Some political commentators are speculating that former President Trump doesn’t want the border situation fixed until he is elected President. Trump’s intention, according to some, is that immigration remain an issue until the November elections.

Crimea’s Isthmus of Perekop. The retaking of Crimea (if it happens) from the Russian occupiers will most certainly see Ukrainian forces crossing the Isthmus of Perekop – a narrow land mass connecting Crimea to Ukraine (map CRS) proper. This “Gateway to Crimea” has been fought for throughout history – one notable time was during the time of the Russian Civil War in 1920. Read more in “Battle of Perekop”, by Glenn Corn, Military Review, November 2023. (also in PDF, six pages)

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

National Security

Writing and the CIA. Zachary Griffiths provides a description of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Studies in Intelligence journal. See “Professional (and creative) writing at the CIA”, Harding Project, January 23, 2024.

Training Troops in Coup States. The Pentagon has abandoned plans to train the militaries of several countries that have been accused of human rights violations or involved in the overthrow of democratic governments. Six African countries are barred from participating in U.S. exercises. One major exercise, known as Flintlock, is conducted annually by AFRICOM and SOCAFRICA. “The Pentagon planned to train troops from coup states. It backed off after scrutiny”, The Washington Post, January 26, 2024. (subscription)

Drone Production. Russia has used loitering munitions, as well as different command and control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, to meet its need for precision targeting. “How the West Can Match Russia in Drone Production”, War on the Rocks.

WinTAK. An application that is commercially available enables soldiers to mark enemies and send texts. U.S. Special Forces have been using ATAK for a number of years in both training, exercises, and on deployments. Looks like the conventional Army is catching on. “In a first, Army uses Slack-style battlefield software in field exercises”, by Sam Skove, Defense One, January 24, 2024.

Border Crisis.

• “New Hampshire prioritized immigration because northern border crossings are up 600%”, Washington Examiner, January 24, 2024.
• “Top migration adviser to depart White House after three years”, NBC News, January 26, 2024.
• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its December 2023 Monthly Update. December 2023 saw over 300,000 border encounters by the CBP breaking previous records over the past 20 years. This included over 250,000 illegal crossings. (The Washington Post, 27 Jan 2024)
• 12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit, National Harbor, MD, April 24-25, 2024, presented by Defense Strategies. https://bordersecuritysummit.dsigroup.org/
• The Texas border dispute between the Texas governor and the federal government has highlighted calls for reform of the Insurrection Act. Reform of the act is viewed as an anti-Trump measure by some sectors of the political arena; however, there are possibly bi-partisan reasons for reform according to Jack Goldsmith. “The Texas Border and Insurrection Act Reform”, Lawfare Blog, January 27, 2024.

NATO and Sweden. Months ago, Finland was approved for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. However, another Scandinavian country has had difficulty in that same path. Turkey’s parliament has finally approved Sweden’s NATO membership after more than a year of waiting; but Hungary remains a holdout.

Haiti Update. The government of Kenya has volunteered to be the lead for a Multinational Security Support mission for Haiti – one authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2699. This mission would assist the Haitian government in tamping down the levels of gang violence and restore democratic order in Haiti. However, there has been a bump in the road. The Republic of Kenya’s High Court has ruled the deployment of Kenyan police to be unconstitutional. (DoS Press Statement, 27 Jan 2024) See also “UN warns of growing power of gangs in Haiti igniting tensions across the Caribbean”, Jurist, January 26, 2024.

Russian Information Warfare. This article provides insights into how Russian scholars and practitioners view information warfare. “Russian Information Warfare Strategy: New IWC Translation Gives Insights into Vulnerabilities”, Irregular Warfare Center, January 23, 2024.

Report – More than a Century of Antisemitism. A report by the Global Engagement Center of the U.S. Department of State describes how successive occupants of the Kremlin have used antisemitism to spread disinformation and propaganda. This two-part report provides a historical overview of how Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union used this technique to further their ends. It also details the contemporary Kremlin’s use of antisemitic disinformation in the context of its war against Ukraine. January 2024, PDF, 51 pages.

Blacksmith Publishing is a media partner of SOF News. They are a book publishing firm, sell ‘Pinelander Swag’, have a weekly podcast called The Pinelander.

Middle East

Yemen Houthis. The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen (map NSI) learned and adopted the tactics of irregular warfare while in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition. “How a Ragtag Militia in Yemen Became a Nimble U.S. Foe”, The New York Times, January 24, 2024. (subscription)

Oil Tanker Attacked. An oil tanker, the M/V Marlin Luanda, was targeted by Houthis on Friday evening, January 26, 2024. Iranian-backed Houthis fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Initial reports say that the tanker was on fire and the crew had abandoned the vessel. The incident happened 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden. US and French warships were in the area to rescue the crew. Since November, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against commercial ships traveling in the region.

U.S. Stepping Back from Iraq? Representatives from the United States and Iraq are currently engaged in talks aimed at winding down the mission of a U.S.-led military coalition. Since the October 7th terrorist attack against Israel and subsequent Israeli Defense Forces military offensive in Gaza U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have been hit by rockets, missiles, and drones from Iranian-backed militant groups. The U.S. has responded with strikes against these groups in Syria and Iraq. “Iraq, US in Talks to End Coalition Mission Targeting Islamic State”, Voice of America, January 27, 2024. See also “U.S., Iraqi Officials to Hold Talks”, DoD, January 25, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – CIA Recruitment. The latest Central Intelligence Agency recruitment video has been posted. It is targeting Russian intelligence workers and highlights the corruption within Russian government. Securely Contacting CIA, January 22, 2024, YouTube, 3 minutes. (Editor’s note: my Russian has deteriorated but I got the jist of it). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJvVYW3eQvY

Video – Carrier Seal. watch a 2-minute-long video about an advanced tactical diving vehicle designed for covert operations that will give SOF operators extra stealth. Forces News, YouTube, January 27, 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkpN11rFjsA

Upcoming Events

February 8, 2024
Global SOF Imperatives Forum
Washington, DC

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

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Colonel (Ret) Roger H.C. Donlon passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 89. He first enlisted in the Air Force and then served in the Army. Much of his military service was with Special Forces. During the Vietnam War he deployed with an A-team of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne); during which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Donlon graduated from high school in 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. military. He attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School and qualified in 1955 to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. However, after attending West Point for two years he left to earn his commission through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 1959. In 1963 he joined Special Forces. He served for more than 30 years as an Infantry, Special Forces, and Foreign Area Specialist.

On July 6, 1964, his Special Forces detachment (A-726) was attacked by a force of an estimated 900 enemy troops in the early morning hours. The SF team, along with 60 Chinese Nungs and a few hundred South Vietnamese irregulars, defended Camp Nam Dong, South Vietnam. The camp was near the border of Laos. During the battle Captain Donlon repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire – defending against the enemy, moving ammunition and weaponry, aiding the wounded, and rallying his men. He was wounded several times during the fight.

For his actions that day he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His was the first MoH award for the Vietnam War. On April 10, 2008, he was inducted (swcs.mil, PDF) into the Special Forces Regiment as a Distinguished Member.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, CIB, and the Parachutist Badge. He attended the Special Warfare Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

****

References:

Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Press Release, January 25, 2024

Congressional Medal of Honor Society – Roger H.C. Donlon
https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/roger-h-donlon

Roger Dolan – National Medal of Honor Museum
https://mohmuseum.org/medal_of_honor/roger-donlon/

CPT Roger H. C. Donlon -ARSOF History
https://arsof-history.org/medal_of_honor/recipient_donlon.html

Special Forces Taps
Obituary

Roger Donlon – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Donlon

Battle of Nam Dong – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nam_Dong

“Outnumbered Green Berets Defend Camp Nam Dong”, Military Heritage, Volume 22, No. 3, Fall 2020. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/outnumbered-green-berets-defend-camp-nam-dong/

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians practice free fall techniques during a vertical wind training exercise in Virginia Beach, Va., Dec. 15, 2023. The maneuvers help train jumpers to respond to midair malfunctions. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Adkins.

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SOF News

VBSS – a “Sketchy Mission”. Two Navy SEALs went missing during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operation off the coast of Somalia searching for Iranian weapons enroute to Yemen. “Navy SEALs describe how boarding a ship is a team’s ‘sketchiest’ mission”, Task & Purpose, January 15, 2024. After a 10-day exhaustive search the U.S. Navy has been unable to recover the two missing SEALs. Their status had been changed to deceased. “CENTCOM Status Update on Missing Navy SEALs”, CENTCOM, January 21, 2024.

10th SFG(A) and Their Woodcarver. Sebastian Demmel, a German woodcarver, has spent a lifetime cultivating a bond with U.S. Special Forces Soldiers. He has received the title of Honorary Green Beret from U.S. Special Operations Command and is an Honorary Original of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “German Woodcarver engraved into SOF hearts and history”, DVIDS, January 17, 2024.

SOF Promotions.

• Navy Captain Liam M. Hulin has been nominated for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Hulin is currently serving as the executive officer to the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
• Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Peter D. Huntley for appointment to the grade of major general. Huntley is currently serving as commander, U.S. Special Operations Command South, Homestead, Florida.

Fitness for SOF Recruits. Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL, provides advice to those who want to be physically fit for the training ahead of them during special operations selection and qualification. “How to Cross-Train Effectively for Special Operations Jobs”, Military.com, January 17, 2024.

SF Col (Ret) Chats about Cruise Ships. Mark Mitchell, a former Special Forces colonel, talks about how to optimize your cruise experience. “A Veteran’s Guide to Cruising on the High Seas”, AARP, January 18, 2024.

AFSOC’s Aircraft. Chrisian D. Orr profiles the various aircraft that Air Force Special Operations Command uses to support the ‘operators’ of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. “The Aircraft of the U.S. Air Force’s Special Forces”, National Interest, January 19, 2024.

Passing of CSM (Ret.) Clark. On January 18, 2024, retired Command Sgt. Maj. David L. Clark passed away. His service to the nation spanned a total of 70 years. He spent decades in the U.S. Army Special Forces and later as a civilian working in the Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C. Read more about the career of Clark in “Special Forces recognizes long-time Fort Bragg Veteran, employee”, The Fayetteville Observer, September 1, 2022. Obituary (legacy.com)

GB Running for Congress. Derrick Anderson is a candidate to represent one of Virginia’s congressional districts – hoping to take the seat from a Democrat. (Washington Examiner, Jan 18, 2024)

Retiring. Vice Adm. Collin Green is retiring after 38 years’ service in the U.S. Navy – most of it with the Naval Special Warfare community. His last position was SOCOM Deputy Commander. During his command he served as commander of SOCSOUTH, NSWC, NSW Task Force Iraq, and Navy SEAL and SWCC teams.

New Sniper Weapon? A new rifle may likely replace the M107 and MK15 systems. “US special ops on the hunt for cutting edge sniper rifle to compete with Russia, China”, by Michael Lee, Fox News, January 13, 2024.

International SOF

GRU Spetsnaz. Read up on the training, equipment, weapons, operations, and more of one of Russia’s premier special operations forces. The GRU was first formed up in 1950, the main missions were espionage, reconnaissance, sabotage, counterintelligence, and other like operations. “GRU Spetsnaz: The Batman of Russia”, by Wes Martin, Grey Dynamics, January 18, 2023.

Russian Paramilitaries in Eurasia. There are several ways that ‘semi-state’ organizations can advance the Kremlin’s interests in other countries. Read about it in “Potential Russian Uses of Paramilitaries in Eurasia”, Center for a New American Security, January 17, 2024.

SOF History

Ravens Over Laos. Marc Yablonka explores the history of the Ravens who flew missions over Laos from 1967 to 1972. They were volunteer ‘sheep-dipped’ U.S. Air Force pilots – trained Foward Air Controllers – that worked in a highly secret government program. “Ravens Flew High and Low Over Laos”, Hmong Daily News, January 15, 2024.

Delta in Panama. In the early stages of the US invasion of Panama Delta conducted an operation to rescue Kurt Muse – a US citizen held by the Panamanian authorities. “Operation Acid Gambit: Delta Force in Panama”, Grey Dynamics, January 17, 2024.

CIG. On January 22, 1946, President Truman directed the establishment of Central Intelligence Group, forerunner of CIA. https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/studies-in-intelligence/1996-2/the-creation-of-the-central-intelligence-group/

MACV-SOG. On January 24, 1964, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was established. It was a highly classified, multi-service U.S. special operations unit that conducted operations during the Vietnam War in Indochina. It conducted reconnaissance missions, capture of enemy soldiers, rescued downed pilots, and rescued POWs throughout Southeast Asia. Individuals assigned to MACV-SOF came primarily from U.S. Army Special Forces. However, members of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force, Marine Corps, and CIA were present in the organization as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Assistance_Command,_Vietnam_%E2%80%93_Studies_and_Observations_Group

1/75th. On January 25, 1974, General Creighton Abrams directed the activation of the first battalion-sized Ranger unit since World War II. HQ U.S. Army Forces Command issued General Orders 127 directing the activation of the 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Infantry with the effective date of January 31, 1974. The battalion was to be an elite, light, and very proficient infantry unit. (USASOC)
https://www.soc.mil/rangers/1stbn.html

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

IDF Moves Some Troops Out of Gaza. Thousands of personnel from the Israel Defense Forces have left the Gaza Strip – many reservists who are returning to civilian life. IDF operations against remaining Hamas fighters are continuing – it what could be termed a ‘low intensity conflict’. The region is in the midst of a week-long communications blackout due to damaged infrastructure. Negotiations for the remaining hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7th terrorist attacks (SOF News) have not yielded results. Much of the fighting is now centered in and around Khan Younis (Google Maps) – the largest city in southern Gaza.

And Now Lebanon and the West Bank? Seth Frantzman writes that the IDF drawing down troop levels in Gaza and preparing for a possible conflict in southern Lebanon. “IDF shifts focus from Gaza to Lebanon, West Bank”, The Long War Journal, January 17, 2024.

Paper – Lessons from Israel’s Forever Wars, by Graham Allison and Raphael J. Piliero, Belfer Center, Harvard University, January 2024, PDF, 38 pages. Description and PDF.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Black Sea Update. Glen E. Howard updates us on the maritime aspect of the Ukraine – Russia War. (map NSI) There is a feeling in the Ukraine military that it is ‘winning’ the fight for the Black Sea and isolating the Russian-occupied (since 2014) Crimean Peninsula. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has been the target of numerous sea and air strikes (sea drones and cruise missiles) forcing some Russian naval ships to reposition from the Black Sea to the naval port at Sevastopol. Since April 2022, when the Ukrainians sank the Russian Flag Ship of the Black Sea Fleet, Russian naval activity has been lessened. The Russian naval blockade of Odessa has been halted and Ukrainian grain shipments have resumed. The Ukrainian military is now looking at options for Crimea. Certainly, the future destruction of the Kerch Straits Bridge is a key factor, which would cut of one of the two logistical routes to Crimea. “The Black Sea is now the center of gravity for the Ukrainian War”, The Hill, January 17, 2024.

U.S. Aid for Ukraine – Not So Much. U.S. House Republicans are holding firm on their quest for increased border security before sending more money to Ukraine. The Senate has crafted a compromise deal that encompasses a number of issues, but the House is reluctant to accept it. The Ukraine aid is one of the few bargaining chips House Republicans have to fix the border security problems. Some conservatives are losing interest in supporting Ukraine; but others see a danger in the appeasement of Russia. Larry Provost thinks “Reagan Would Be Ashamed of Our Anti-Ukraine Stance”, Newsmax, January 17, 2024.

Video – Ukraine Briefing Featuring Ambassador Michael McFaul. At this briefing on January 18, 2023, Spirit of America CEO Jim Hake spoke with Ambassador Michael McFaul, former US Ambassador to Russia and discussed why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a global security threat, what Putin and Russia might try to do next, and why US support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom still matters. Spirit of America, January 18, 2024, YouTube, 30 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8GkOPpz9pE&t=2s

Commentary

Measuring Resiliency. Robert S. Burrell describes a twelve-step analysis process that planners, statesmen, or practitioners can use to frame a country or region in terms of resilience and resistance. “A Guide for Measuring Resiliency”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 16, 2023.

Arctic Security. Sonner Kehrt has concerns about the ability of the United States to conduct and sustain military forces and operations in the High North (map NSI). Read more in “US Military Can’t Sustain Arctic Operations, ‘Let Alone Dominate,’ Experts Say”, The War Horse, January 18, 2024.

National Security

SECDEF Released. After hospitalization for two weeks at Walter Reed Hospital for treatment of prostate cancer Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been discharged and is now ‘working from home’ on a temporary basis. Austin received heavy criticism for keeping his cancer prognosis and stay in ICU secret from leading members of DoD, the National Security Council, Congress (Washington Examiner, 15 Jan 2024), and the White House. In addition, he delegated his authority to his deputy who had no idea that he was in ICU. (Editorial note: we will likely have a new SECDEF prior to the November election).

• “Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Released From Hospital”, DOD News, January 15, 2024.
• “Statement From Secretary of Defense on Hospital Release”, DOD News, January 15, 2024.
• “Austin Leaves Hospital, Returns Home”, DOD News, January 18, 2024.

Border Security. The House of Representatives Judiciary Commitee is considering a resolution that would condemn the Biden Administration’s open border policies and urge the President to provide more security to the border. See synopsis at Congress.gov. A major concern of Republicans are the thousands of migrants who enter each day requesting asylum and the transport of fentanyl (CBP 17 Jan 2024) across the border. The Department of State recently met with Mexican officials to discuss several topics to include illegal migration, criminal smuggling networks, and fentanyl trafficking. “Discussions with Mexican Officials on Migration at the Department of State”, U.S. Department of State, January 20, 2024.

Report – Army Organization. The Congressional Research Service has updated Defense Primer: Department of the Army and Army Command Structure, CRS IF10544, updated January 16, 2024, PDF 2 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10544

Information Operations

DoS and Information Manipulation. The U.S. Department of State has published a Fact Sheet entitled “The Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation”, DoS, January 18, 2024. View Fact Sheet. “This Framework seeks to develop a common understanding of this threat and establish a common set of action areas from which the United States, with its allies and partners, can develop coordinated responses to foreign information manipulation and protect free and open societies.” The ‘Framework’ calls for five Key Action Areas to build societal resiliency to foreign disinformation.

Deepfakes. Videos created with artificial intelligence are very realistic and can sway viewers to believe in false narratives. More the 40 countries are due to hold significant elections over the next year and it will be harder and harder for votes to separate fact from fiction. News reporters are frequent targets – they find themselves saying things on the web that they never said. “Deepfakes a ‘Weapon Against Journalism’ Analyst Says”, Voice of America, January 20, 2024.

Al-Shabaab’s IO Campaign. The Somali terrorist group has a robust and highly disciplined information operations organization. The counterinsurgency effort against this group must understand the vital importance and integrated nature of its online operations. “Decoding al-Shabaab’s Social Media Strategy”, CTC Sentinel, January 2024.

Great Power Competition

Weaponized Migration. Russia has frequently used a sudden influx of refugees into another country as a way to distract Western governments, forcing spending, and causing military forces to augment border security. This tactic has been used frequently against Nordic and East European countries. “People as a Weapons System: Moscow and Minsk’s Continued Attempts to Weaponize Migration”, by Rick Chersicla, Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 18, 2024.

Putin, IO, and the Baltic States. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up rhetoric on Russian ethnic minorities in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. “Putin may be setting information conditions for escalation against Baltics”, LRT.lt, January 17, 2024.

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.

Asia

Pakistan – Iran Exchange Airstrikes. Last Tuesday (Jan 16th) Iran launched missiles at targets in Pakistan that had terrorists of Iranian nationality. In retaliation, early on Thursday morning (Jan 18th) Pakistan launched missile and aircraft strikes against what it says were targets containing Pakistan terrorists located in Iran. The terrorists targeted by Pakistan were likely from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). See map of Iran and Pakistan region (NSI).

Paper on Nagorno-Karabakh. Walter Landgraf and Nareg Seferian write about the history of the Karabakh Conflict and the outlook for the future. A Frozen Conflict Boils Over: Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 and Future Implications, Foreign Policy Research Institute, Eurasia Program, January 2024, PDF, 40 pages.

Latin America

Drug Cartel ‘Hitwomen’. The drug cartels are increasing their presence and influence in Central and South America. Women are becoming more involved in the criminal landscape. In Mexico, women represent about 6 percent of active personnel in criminal groups. Read more in “Hitwomen on the Rise in Latin American Cartels”, by Julieta Pelcastre, Dialogo Americas, January 18, 2024.

Mexican Army Visits Fort Liberty (FBNC). A Mexican Army specialty unit collaborated with Special Operations Command – North (SOCNORTH) and 1st Psychological Operations Battalion on the adaptation of new mission capabilities and technology. “Mexican and U.S. Army Psychological Operations Leaders Strengthen Partnership”, DVIDS, January 19, 2024.

Arrow Security & Training, LLC is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. AST offers a wide range of training and instruction courses and programs to include language and cultural services, training, role playing, and software and simulation. https://arrowsecuritytraining.com/

Afghanistan

Report – Taliban Rule at 2.5 Years. Haroun Rahimi and Andrew Watkins examine governance of Afghanistan and its foreign relations over the past few years since the Taliban took power in August 2021. CTC Sentinel, Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, January 2024, PDF, 16 pages.

Surviving in Afghanistan. Child marriages have skyrocketed across Afghanistan due to an economic collapse and dim future prospects for girls under Taliban rule. Selling a daughter into marriage can bring enough to feed a family for a year and many families take that desperate step for survival. “In the new Afghanistan, it’s sell your daughter or starve”, The Washington Post, January 15, 2024. (subscription)

Middle East

Yemen Attacks Continue. The U.S. military has been conducting significant attacks against targets to warn the Houthis from making drone and anti-ship missile attacks against international commercial shipping and warships. However, Yemen (map by NSI) is continuing to threaten the sea lanes (Washington Examiner, 15 Jan 2024). In addition to conducting attacks against land-based targets in Yemen the U.S. Navy has been conducting Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. One VBSS operation resulted in the loss of two Navy SEALs (SOF News, 16 Jan 2024) As a result of the attacks the Department of State has announced the designation of the Houthis as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist Group.’ (DoS, Jan 17, 2024). President Trump had designated the Houthis as a terrorist group, but President Biden reversed that in 2021.

Lost Reaper. There are news reports that a U.S. MQ9 Reaper has exploded in the air and crashed in Diyala Province near Baghdad, Iraq on January 18, 2024. Militant groups claim they have shot it down. Iraqi security forces recovered the aircraft.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Podcasts, Videos, and Journals

Podcast – Of Green Berets and Secret CIA Missions. James Stejskal is a former Green Beret, CIA case officer, and now a book author. He is interviewed by Jeff Stein on the Spytalk podcast. (Jan 2024)

Podcast – Words Matter: Irregular Warfare Definitions and Constructs. Robert S. Burrell, Richard Tilley, and David Ucko discuss the definition of IW. The Trident, January 2024. https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/the-trident/1/

Special Warfare Magazine. The latest issue is now online. https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Special-Warfare-Archive/fbclid/IwAR1RppmOHzMtXi5RmxUe9lZhum6sHnEK6j4eamdKPnFCYOPKQMd4_7YN6sI/

CTC Sentinel. The January 2024 issue is now posted online. This monthly journal by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has some interesting articles about the Taliban rule, risks of generative AI exploitation, al-Shabaab’s social media strategy, and left-wing terrorism in Germany. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/january-2024/

Infantry. The Winter 2023-2024 issue is now available online. Several interesting topics are presented in this issue to include SBCTs, C2, leadership, Russian airborne mechanized raids, breaching and clearing operations, and more. PDF, 60 pages.

Upcoming Events

February 8, 2024
Global SOF Imperatives Forum
Washington, DC

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: East-Coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct visit, board, search, and seizure training with the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces near Constanta, Romania, Nov. 16, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bill Carlisle)

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SOF News

Missing Navy Sailors. Central Command reported (12 Jan 2024) that two Navy Sailors are missing off the coast of Somalia (map NSI). Some news reports state that they are Navy SEALs who were conducting nighttime vessel boarding search and seizure operations (VBSS) on the evening of January 11th. Search and rescue missions are ongoing. According to the WP the Navy SEALs were boarding a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden that was suspected of transporting Iranian arms. “Navy SEALs lost at sea were searching for Yemen-bound weapons shipment”, The Washington Post, January 14, 2024. (subscription) See “Two Navy SEALs missing after Thursday night mission off Somalian coast”, Military Times, January 13, 2024.

Trump on Miller. Here is an interesting article about former acting SECDEF Chris Miller (and former Green Beret) and being a pick for SECDEF if Trump wins again. “Trump hints at possible picks for Pentagon chief in second term”, by Lara Seligman, Politico, December 22, 2023.

GUNDAM 22 Final Report. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) released a statement on Friday, January 12, 2024, indicating that recovery and salvage operations have ended for the CV-22 that crashed off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan on November 29, 2023. The major parts of the aircraft have been recovered and the remains of seven of the eight crew have been recovered. An investigation into the mishap is ongoing. (Air Force Times, Jan 11, 2024)

SOF by the Numbers. How big is a SEAL team? How many Green Berets are there? “MARSOC, Navy SEALs, and Army Rangers: SOF by the numbers”, Task & Purpose, December 20, 2023. The author manages to get it mostly right.

Airmen and Ranger School. The U.S. Army’s Ranger School is filled with difficult physical training and exercises designed to educate participants on elite infantry squad and platoon tactics. The Air Force thinks its Airmen are a good fit for the two-month long course. “Wanted: Airmen and Guardians Urged to Apply to Grueling Army Ranger School”, Military.com, January 8, 2024.

Ghostriders’ Big Gun – Going Away? The U.S. Air Force may be taking its big 105mm gun off their gunships, possibly as soon as 2026. The change is part of its rethinking of what the aircraft is and how they are to be designed. (Business Insider, Dec 27, 2023) See also “Special Operations Command’s Commando Aircraft Are in Jeopardy”, SANDBOXX, January 3, 2024.

Swimming – Fins or Not? Stew Smith writes up on how to prepare for a future in military diving, special ops, and rescue swimming. “The Differences Between Swimming With and Without Fins”, Military.com, December 27, 2023.

Sgt. Maj. Thetford (Ret.). A former Senior Enlisted Leader at the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is profiled in this media release by CACI International, Inc. William Thetford served over 35 years in special operations. “Spotlighting Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, U.S. Army (Ret.)”, 3blmedia.com, December 21, 2023.

International SOF

Army Ranger Wing (Ireland). The ARW, the most elite and secretive unit of the Irish Defence Forces, is going through its largest expansion and restructuring in its 43-year history. There are going to be some dramatic changes to its command-and-control structure and refinement of the organization into distinct specialized units – air, sea, and ground. “Army’s elite special forces unit to be overhauled in major revamp”, Irish Times, December 30, 2023.

Finland’s SOF. Javier Sutil Toledano provides a detailed description of the SOF units of Finland. Origins, purpose, organization, training, selection, and more are described in this article. “FINSOF: Finland’s Special Operations Forces”, Grey Dynamics, December 25, 2023.

Canada’s Elite. The Canadian Special Operations Regiment is part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). It conducts complex missions and is able to operate in harsh environments. “CSOR: The Canadian Special Operations Regiment”, Grey Dynamics, December 30, 2023. The 427 SOAS is an air force unit that supports CANSOFCOM. “Canada’s 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron”, Grey Dynamics, December 30, 2023.

SOF History

CIG Established. On January 22, 1946, President Truman directed the establishment of Central Intelligence Group, forerunner of CIA. (CIA)

OCPW Established. On January 5, 1951, the Army established the Office of the Chief of Psychological Warfare (OCPW) as a special staff division under the Deputy Chief of Staff and supervisory control of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, headed by Brigadier General Robert A. McClure.

SEALs Established. On January 1, 1962, the first Navy SEAL teams were established by President Kennedy. The OSS Maritime Unit was the precursor to the SEALs. Learn more in the book First SEALs.
https://bookshop.org/a/753/9780306824142

MACV-SOG Established. On January 24, 1964, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was established. It was a highly classified, multi-service U.S. special operations unit that conducted operations during the Vietnam War in Indochina. It conducted reconnaissance missions, capture of enemy soldiers, rescued downed pilots, and rescued POWs throughout Southeast Asia. Individuals assigned to MACV-SOF came primarily from U.S. Army Special Forces. However, members of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force, Marine Corps, and CIA were present in the organization as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Assistance_Command,_Vietnam_%E2%80%93_Studies_and_Observations_Group

1/75th Activation. 25 January 1974. On this date General Creighton Abrams directed the activation of the first battalion-sized Ranger unit since World War II. HQ U.S. Army Forces Command issued General Orders 127 directing the activation of the 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Infantry with the effective date of January 31, 1974. The battalion was to be an elite, light, and very proficient infantry unit. (USASOC) https://www.soc.mil/rangers/1stbn.html

CASI and the CIA. The history books make many mentions of Air America in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War; but very little of Continental Air Services, Inc. Both flew for the Central Intelligence Agency. “Air America Was Not Alone: There Was CASI”, by Marc Yablonka, Hmong Daily News, December 21, 2023.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Phase Three. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is transitioning from phase 2 (operations throughout Gaza) to conducting more targeted operations – with a focus on the south of Gaza Strip. Hamas has been partially dismantled in the north – falling back on independent guerrilla warfare tactics. The fighting is expected to continue into 2024. IDF reservists are now being withdrawn from Gaza and are being discharged – returning to civilian life. The 98th Division (Wikipedia) is expected to take the lead in the conflict in Gaza. The 98th consists of two paratrooper brigades and one commando brigade. “IDF quietly transitions to phase 3 in the war against Hamas”, Jewish News Syndicate, January 13, 2024.

Hostages. January 14th (Sunday) marked 100 days of captivity for more than 130 people, including six Americans, who were taken hostage by Hamas during its brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “100 Days of Captivity in Gaza”, U.S. Department of State, January 14, 2024.

Theories of Victory. David Ucko provides his perspective on who is winning and who is losing in the Gaza conflict. “Israel, Hamas, and the Meaning of Victory in Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, December 30, 2023.

Lessons by RAND. This report tells the story of Israel’s military operations in Gaza from 2009 to 2014 – operations that show how Israel was forced to adapt to hybrid adversaries in complex urban terrain. Lessons from Israel’s Wars in Gaza, RAND, 2017, PDF, 12 pages. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9975.html

Testimony Aftermath. Three elite university Presidents testified before Congress several weeks ago. Each was asked about university policy on hate speech towards Jews; and each ‘failed’ in their responses. Two university presidents have since resigned. The president of Harvard University, Claudine Gay, held out for a while on demands for resignation; however, what might have contributed to her resigning is her practice of ‘duplicative narrative’ in her academic writings; something others called plagiarism. “Harvard’s Claudine Gay should resign”, The Washington Post, December 23, 2023. (subscription) Some from the ‘left’ say it was a concerted effort by those on the ‘right’ to erode the advances made by Harvard in their DEI program. Gay, who is black, said in a parting statement that she was a victim of racism.

References:

• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

The eastern front lines in Ukraine are somewhat stable. There are incremental gains made by both sides of the conflict. Casualties remain high. The U.S. Congress still has not settled whether it will allocate new funds for Ukraine’s defense. With its large population and industrial base Russia is favored in a conflict that is prolonged.

Paper – Russian Propaganda Tactics in Wartime Ukraine, The Russia Program, George Washington University, November 2023, PDF, 41 pages. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xdmk4Mn2G-jNSWhljjuv7sCqMbE-LT3Y/view

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

Help Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel with spine injuries receive the healthcare options, education, and care they need.

Sudan Conflict and Evac of Foreign Nationals

Conflict Grinds On. International attention on the civil war in Sudan (maps, NSI) has waned . . . more eyes are on Ukraine and Gaza at the moment. But the fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the humanitarian situation worsens as time goes on.

Egypt Involvement. The ongoing civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF created a humanitarian disaster. Refugees from Sudan flooded into every neighboring state; many of them to Egypt (map NSI). With a downgraded credit rating, severe inflation and unsustainable debt, the Egyptian economy is on the rocks. Refugees only add to those pressures. It is little wonder then, that Egypt has a vested interest in the security architecture of Sudan and in particular the SAF. “Egypt’s Role in the Sudanese Civil War: a 6-month outlook”, by Alec Smith, Grey Dynamics, December 23, 2023.

Update on the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ceasefire, humanitarian crisis, and evacuation of foreign nationals.
https://www.national-security.info/country/sudan/sudan-neo.html

Commentary

SOF and the Arctic. Joshua C. Huminski and Ethan Brown have collaborated on an article entitled “Into the Cold: Special Operations in the Arctic”, Wavell Room, December 20, 2023. Excerpt: “Russia and China are placing increased emphasis on the polar regions in their strategic calculus and future planning. Russia, prior to its expanded invasion of Ukraine, undertook demonstrative military exercises in the Arctic, and was building up its forces in the High North. In its 2018 arctic policy, China declared itself a ‘near-arctic state’, seeking to assert its regional interests. While much of this activity from Moscow and Russia is predicated on securing economic and commercial interests, military interests and strategic competition-related power projection are clearly not far behind.” Read more articles about special operations forces in the Arctic.

Cutting SOF Force Structure. The Department of Defense has mandated that USASOC cut its force levels by 3,000 personnel. The command plans to cut special operations support, civil affairs, and psychological operations units. “Cutting Army Special Operations Will Erode the Military’s Ability to Influence the Modern Battlefield”, by Cole Livieratos, War on the Rocks, January 9, 2024.

National Security

Report – Defense Primer: Special Operations Forces. The Congressional Research Service has updated its brief on U.S. SOF. CRS IF10545, updated January 8, 2024, PDF, 2 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10545

Report – Defense Primer: Organization of U.S. Ground Forces. The Congressional Research Service has updated its brief on the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. CRS IF10571, updated December 29, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10571

SECDEF Austin, ICU, and Not Informing the White House. The Pentagon did not tell President Joe Biden and other top officials about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s presence in a hospital ICU (Politico, 6 Jan 2024) until he was there for three days. He first underwent surgery at Walter Reed Hospital for surgery for prostate cancer in mid-December. Although discharged in December, he returned to the hospital’s ICU unit for more hospitalization on January 1st.

• Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown was not informed of Austin’s presence in a hospital until Tuesday, Jan 2nd.
• Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks did not know his whereabouts until Thursday, Jan 4th and was on vacation in Puerto Rico. See “Pentagon No. 2 didn’t know why she was in charge for days as Austin furor mounts”, Washington Times, January 8, 2024.
• DoD didn’t notify the White House until Thursday, Jan 4th.
• DoD notified Congress 15 minutes before releasing a public statement at 5:00 pm on Friday, Jan 5th – a typical method of burying bad news over the weekend. As of Saturday, Jan 13, 2024, the SECDEF is still reported to be at Walter Reed.
• Fire the SECDEF? There are many national security commentators (not just Republicans) calling for the firing or resignation of Austin for his failure to inform his senior military leaders, the NSC, and the White House about his surgery in December, time in ICU in January, and his medical situation. See “Fire Lloyd Austin”, Lawfare, January 12, 2024. (Editorial note: his departure will probably take place in 3-4 months – a ‘graceful exit’ rather than fired or resigned).
• Still Hospitalized. As of January 14th, the Pentagon is reporting that SECDEF is still hospitalized.

Border Security.

• Migrant encounters at southern border hit record 302K in December 2023. This number includes only ‘documented encounters’, not the illegals that evade authorities crossing the border. (Fox News, Jan 1, 2024)
• Negotiations are underway between Republicans and Democrats on the border issue. It appears that some compromise is under way for both political parties to get at least ‘something’ that they want. Topics on the table include asylum, border security, increased deportation, Afghan evacuees from post-August 2021, and more. The Senate seems to have come up with a plan, but it is unlikely to be accepted by the House.
• Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Melissa Dalton recently led a delegation to the Southwest border on January 11-12 to see firsthand how the DoD is supporting U.S. government efforts to secure the border. (DOD, Jan 12, 2024)

Finland Border Closure. Just after Finland joined the NATO alliance Russia shipped migrants without documentation to the border points advising them to cross into Finland and seek asylum. Finland has viewed this as a form of economic warfare – flooding the country with undocumented migrants who will need to be supported financially by the country’s 5.6 million people. Late last year Finland closed the border crossings with Russia. The country is extending this closure for another month -suspecting continued manipulation of undocumented migrants from Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. “Finland extends closure of Russian border for another month, fearing a migrant influx”, The Washington Post, January 11, 2024. (subscription)

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.

Asia

Taiwan Elections. The ruling party has held onto the country’s presidency; many observers citing this as a blow to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The winner is seen as independence-leaning. China has increased its rhetoric about Taiwan and increased its military and ‘gray operations’ in the region around Taiwan (map, NSI) in recent years. Taiwan is taking measures to that will enable it to resist an invasion and occupation by China (NSI).

IO and China. The People’s Republic of China has long used the information operations arena to influence the thoughts of people around the globe. This practice continues into the present day. Read more by Mark Scott in “China’s Kremlin-style disinformation playbook”, Politico.eu, January 11, 2024.

Western Hemisphere

Haiti. Gang violence continues to be the cause of a dire security crisis in Haiti (Google Maps). Transnational crime, economic slowdown, and other problems have plagued this nation for decades. It appears that Kenya will soon lead a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti under the auspices of the United Nations.

Troubles in Ecuador. On January 7, 2024, a notorious gang leader escaped from custody as he was about to be transferred to a maximum security facility. Gang members went on the offensive across Ecuador (map, NSI) – taking over prisons, attacking law enforcement, and seizing a television station. There are worries that the country may turn into a narco-state. Read more in “Explaining and Predicting Ecuador’s Security Crisis”, Global Americans, January 12, 2024.

Blacksmith Publishing is a media partner of SOF News. They are a book publishing firm, sell ‘Pinelander Swag’, have a weekly podcast called The Pinelander.

Afghanistan

Media Freedom in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has published its report on the state of journalists and media in Afghanistan in 2023. According to the report, journalists and media in Afghanistan faced severe restrictions and violations of their fundamental and legal rights throughout 2023, impeding their freedom and ability to work. (AFJC, Dec 29, 2023)

Learning from Afghanistan. The U.S. military must understand its failures in Afghanistan to succeed in strategic competition. Failure to learn and adapt could end in similar disaster with greater strategic consequences. “Learning from Failure: Afghanistan as a Microcosm for Strategic Competition”, by Paul Bailey, Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 4, 2024.

Office of the Special Coordinator for Afghanistan. The Department of Defense recently published a website with resources about Afghanistan. Afghan Report, January 8, 2024.

Middle East

Wider Conflict? The Houthis of Yemen (SOF News) have significantly stepped up their operations against commercial vessels in Middle Eastern waterways since November 19, 2023, shortly after the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict (SOF News). This includes seizing or attempting to seize vessels or launching missiles or drones against them. Most shipping is now traveling around the southern tip of Africa to avoid possible damage or seizure. The U.S. and other nations have been issuing warnings to the Houthis over the past month. The U.S. and United Kingdom struck hit more multiple targets in 16 locations in Yemen on Thursday, January 12, 2024. CENTCOM released a statement on Saturday that a follow-on strike took place against a Houthi radar site in Yemen – conducted by the USS Carney (DDG 64) using Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. The Pentagon released a statement (DoD, Jan 12, 2024) saying that the strikes against Houthis are aimed at degrading the rebel group’s capabilities to carry out more attacks in the Red Sea (Google Maps).

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Books, Journals, Reports, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Book Review – Dead Hand. James Stejskal’s latest book, Dead Hand, involves Cold War intrigue in current times. The book envisions an aggressive Russia that has won the war in Ukraine and now sets its sights on other countries in Eastern Europe. Cold War warriors are brought out of retirement to assist in a covert operation. Stejskal is a former Green Beret (some time with ‘Det A‘) and CIA operative – and uses his experience in crafting this espionage thriller. One of his earlier books is Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army’s Elite, 1956-1990. Read a review of Dead Hand in “Spies in Winter: A Tale of Russian Victory in Ukraine”, The Cipher Brief, December 28, 2023.

Special Warfare. The January 2024 issue of Special Warfare is now available. Articles on irregular warfare, U.S. Army’s Special Warfare Center and School, and SOF unmanned systems. PDF, 23 pages. https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Special-Warfare-Archive/

Military Review. The January – February 2024 issue is now online, posted by Army University Press. This issue spotlights China and operations in mountainous areas and the Arctic. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/January-February-2024/

CTC Sentinel. The December 2023 issue of the “CTC Sentinel” is now posted online. Articles on Iranian-backed militia and terrorist groups and terrorist use of IEDs. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/december-2023/

IWC Spotlight. The December 2023 issue has been posted by the Irregular Warfare Center. https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-IWC-Spotlight.pdf

Report – Defense Primer: What is Irregular Warfare, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12565, January 5, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12565

Report – Assessing Resistance for the Purpose of Informing International Policy. By Dr. Robert S. Burrell and John Collison, Marine Corps University, January 9, 2024, PDF, 46 pages. https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Assessing-Resistance-for-the-Purpose-of-Informing-International-Policy/

Video – USSOCOM in Strategic Competition. A former CSEL for USSOCOM shares his unique perspectives on strategic competition and the United States Special Operations Command’s role in that environment. Joint Special Operations University, Think JSOU, January 9, 2024, YouTube, 36 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9CuZVHUi4k

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