Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.

Photo / Image: U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (3/2), 2d Marine Division, provide security during Exercise Raven 2-21 in Nashville, Tenn., May 22, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. China is continuing its aggressive posture claiming sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the South China Sea. This August current and former service members who served in Afghanistan and members of the #AfghanEvac community observed the 5th anniversary of the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. The director of the CIA flew to Moscow to meet with counterparts to deliver a message. For the first time in weeks U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers.

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Key Developments

• CIA Director flies to Moscow
• Indiana Rangers receive Presidential Unit Citation
• U.S. SF in Ecuador
• 82nd Airborne Division elements extended in Middle East
• Silent Warrior 2026 in Morocco
• Fuerzas Commando 2026 took place in Paraguay