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

By John Friberg.

Photo / Image: Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Danish special operations forces from the Sirius Patrol set up tents at Camp Raven, Greenland, on Aug. 19, 2026, as part of Operation Apex Indigo. U.S. Special Operations Command North operates in Greenland alongside Danish counterparts to evaluate basic survival, search and rescue, cold-weather mobility, and communications infrastructure operations in the harshest environment on Earth, ensuring U.S. SOF capability to survive and thrive under any circumstances. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. Jamie Spaulding)

Executive Summary

This week’s SOF Weekly Brief examines developments in special operations, irregular warfare, and international security. U.S. and allied SOF continue multinational training as emerging technologies reshape operational requirements. A controversial U.S.–Russia diesel agreement raises questions about sanctions policy and support for Ukraine. Elsewhere, Iranian attacks threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi strikes increase pressure on Saudi Arabia, and security concerns highlight the vulnerability of U.S. strategic bombers stationed overseas. Additional reporting covers aircraft losses during Operation Epic Fury, fighting in Ethiopia and Mali, and developments affecting the SOF community.

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Key Developments

• SOCEUR’s Trojan Footprint 26
• MARSOC Marine dies in maritime training event
• U.S. continues strikes against drug smugglers in the Caribbean
• CRS documents Operation Epic Fury aircraft losses
• Conflict in northern Ethiopia continues
• Rebels in Mali depart key northern city, Russia’s mercs move in
• Pharmacy access for veterans