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

Photo / Image: A U.S. Army Green Beret assigned to 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) fires an anti-armor rocket launcher during a live-fire training exercise as part of Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, August 4, 2026 (U.S. Army photo by SGT Cody Williams)

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. USASOC has a new CCWO. The role of Special Forces in information operations is key to strategic competition. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey sign a defense pact. SOF is stepping up in the Philippines. The Iran War remains unresolved with vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz a fraction of what it used to be. Read about how an SFODA gets its food in a denied area. The defense relationship between South Korea and the U.S. may be changing.

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Key Developments

• 45 MQ-9 Reapers lost in Iran War
• Russia frees former U.S. Marine
• Trump expresses discontent with Oman
• U.S. SOF and Polar Dagger 2026
• ARSOF provides value to the Joint Force
• Mexican cartels are expanding