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

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)

Executive Summary

This week’s SOF Weekly Brief examines the evolving role of Army special operations forces in large-scale combat operations and the activation of SPACEFOR-SOC, strengthening the integration of space capabilities into special operations. Additional developments include a reported U.S. Army deployment to Panama, continued Iranian threats to commercial shipping, renewed fighting in Yemen, and disruptions to Ukraine’s battlefield communications and drone operations. Other coverage addresses Russia’s Arctic military posture, U.S. counternarcotics operations, and emerging security challenges in Africa and the Middle East.

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Key Developments

• Kristi Noem is out as special envoy of “Shield of the Americas”
• Key ARSOF leaders provide insight at AUSA
• CRS report on Russia’s military presence in Arctic
• Attacks on shipping in Strait of Hormuz continue
• Ukraine ‘energy ceasefire’ dies a quick death
• Podcast – life and health after military service