The SOFX Report

03/06/2024

02/20/2024

02/19/2024

Happy Monday! Catch up with this top story from last week and don't miss anything else!

02/05/2024

#1 Most Read Last Week!

U.S. Retaliates With B-1B Bombers and A-10C Warthogs, Striking 85 Targets in Iraq and Syria

US launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria after 3 Army Reserves personnel died at Jordan's Tower 22 base. Airstrikes on Feb 2, 4PM EST, included B-1B "Lancers," A-10C "Warthogs," and more under CENTCOM command.

CENTCOM announced successful strikes on Iran's IRGC Quds Force and related militia groups in Syria and Iraq. Over 85 targets hit with 125 precise munitions, including command centers, intel facilities, rockets, missiles, UAV storage, and supply chain sites.

In a statement, Secretary of Defense Loyd Austin stated “This is the start of our response,” while President Joe Biden shared a similar sentiment, “It will continue at times and places of our choosing."

Check out the full article for time-stamped updates!

The United States has initiated a series of airstrikes in both Iraq and Syria, following the tragic loss of 3 Army Reserves personnel at a US base in Jordan known as Tower 22. The airstrikes were conducted at 4PM EST, February 2nd, and involved US B-1B “Lancer” Heavy Bombers, A-10C Thunderbolt I...

02/02/2024

Turkish Intelligence “Institution V” Spied on a US Graduate School

Recent investigative report: Turkish intelligence covert operation at Respect Graduate School in Bethlehem, PA, from 2020-2023, targeting staff and 86 individuals, including US citizens, with private info sent to Turkey.

Turkish intelligence zeroed in on Respect Grad School's Islamic Studies program due to its interfaith focus. President Erdogan's administration viewed interfaith dialogue as a challenge, historically skeptical of Islam-Christianity interactions.

Intelligence op may connect to Turkey's crackdown on Gülen movement, opposing Erdogan. Fethullah Gülen, influential figure, targeted by Erdogan since 2013, potentially linked to broader strategy

Surveillance ordered by 'Institution V,' representing Turkish Foreign Ministry's Security and Research Directorate, led by Fatma Ceren Yazgan from Turkish intelligence agency MIT. Highlights state involvement and strategic nature of the operation.

The intelligence compilation task was assigned to "Institution V," a coded reference to the Foreign Ministry Security and Research Directorate

02/01/2024

Glimpse into Russia’s Military Through One Officer Class

A detailed investigation by Reuters into a specific graduating class from Russia’s Ryazan paratroop academy, often likened to West Point or Sandhurst, provides a rare glimpse into the personnel dynamics of Russia’s military amid the ongoing Ukraine war.

The class, which graduated in 2016 amidst promises of a stronger and more effective Russian military under President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, has since been dispersed into various roles, some facing the ultimate sacrifice in the Ukraine conflict.

Over 200 Ryazan ex-cadets have tragically lost their lives since Russia's invasion began. This accounts for roughly 4.5% of the graduates from the past decade.

The 2016 graduating class from Russia's Ryazan paratroop academy, often compared to West Point or Sandhurst, offers a unique perspective

01/31/2024

Shin Bet Security Agency Reveals Iranian Espionage Plot Involving Sending Flowers to Families of Hostages

Israel's Shin Bet, internal security service, uncovers secret Iranian espionage plot against Israeli officials and civilians! Reported by Times Of Israel on Jan 15, 2024.

Iranian spies used fake social media profiles to collect info on Israeli officials and critics. They pretended to be right-wing activists, supporters, and broadcasters. Their goal? To gather personal info and photos of Israeli figures critical of Iran.

Iranian operatives sent flowers and messages to Israeli hostage families, faking empathy to gain trust. They exploited public sentiment, organizing gatherings near homes and asking for photos, gathering valuable intel.

Iranian intelligence attempted to infiltrate Israeli society and gather information on government and Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

01/30/2024

Massive Wave Damages U.S. Army Base in Marshall Islands

On Jan 20, 2024, a massive wave hit the U.S. Army base in Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands. It caused severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and evacuation of non-mission personnel.

Flooding on Roi-Namur impacts missile tracking facilities, including ALTAIR Radar. Major damage to buildings like Tradewinds Theater, Army store, and warehouses.

Watch video on Twitter to see wave hitting Outrigger Bar, causing a scramble for safety. Minor injuries, no fatalities. Illustrates the wave's sheer power and suddenness.

Nearby islands in Kwajalein Atoll faced severe flooding from wave swells, disrupting air services. Remarkably, Santo Island near Roi-Namur was spared.

Roi-Namur, a part of the U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll, experienced substantial destruction due to enormous waves caused by

01/29/2024

Happy Monday! Check out one of our top stories from last week!

In a daring mission deep inside Russia, Ukrainian special ops destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber and disabled 2 more on August 30, 2023.

Commanded by Colonel Oleh Babii, who led 9 successful reconnaissance missions behind Russian lines and organized 12 special ops to support resistance in occupied territories.

After a successful mission, Colonel Oleh Babii's team faced a Russian ambush on their way back to Ukraine. His heroic sacrifice earned him the posthumous title 'Hero of Ukraine' and the Order of the Golden Star.

The Tupolev Tu-22M, a supersonic, long-range bomber developed by Tupolev Design Bureau, played a crucial role in Russian military operations.

In a daring special operation conducted last August, Ukraine's military intelligence department (HUR) revealed the destruction of three

01/26/2024

The lovely Jade Struck and Rudy Reyes with our founder Sam Havelock, rockin’ it at SHOT Show

AND European Shooting Phenomenon Amy9x19🔥with Sam Havelock.

***k

01/26/2024

Need help with your taxes? We can help! Check the link in our bio to learn more.

Social Security Benefits Taxation: What Recipients Need to Know

Recent updates: Many Social Security recipients may owe federal income tax on their benefits for the first time due to increased benefits to match rising living costs.

To check if your Social Security is taxable, combine half of it with your other income. Singles above $25,000 and married couples over $32,000 may owe taxes.

Tax rates vary: 50% for singles $25,000-$34,000, or couples $32,000-$44,000. Higher incomes, up to 85% taxed.

Complication alert! In 12 states (CO, CT, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NM, ND, RI, UT, VT), Social Security benefits may face state taxes too, as per USA Today. Stay informed!

01/25/2024

The German Woodworker Who’s Dedicated 50 Years to Serving the SOF Community

Sebastian Demmel has become an acclaimed figure in the U.S. Special Operations Forces community. His Bavarian workshop is a testament to his 50-year connection with SOF.

Each 'Demmel' piece carries special meaning, a representation of the core values of excellence, creativity, and respect that define the SOF community. "When the guys get a plaque or a statue, and it’s a Demmel, that means something."

Demmel became an Honorary Green Beret in 2020 and received the Honorary Original recognition in 2022.

Demmel's home is a gathering place for U.S. soldiers and veterans, including the 'Snow Bros,' highlighting the strong bonds forged through art. These relationships are reciprocal, with Demmel cherishing each interaction and the friendships formed over the years.

01/24/2024

What do you think? Should we be concerned?

Chinese Billionaire’s Land Ownership in the U.S. Raises Concerns Amid Flawed Government Tracking

Chen Tianqiao, Chinese founder of Shanda Interactive Entertainment, owns 198,000 acres of Oregon timberland in the U.S., making him the 82nd largest private landowner.

His U.S. land ownership and CCP membership concern lawmakers. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer worries about foreign ownership of vital resources. Chen is selling 33,000 acres of Oregon forestland worth $95 million.

GAO report exposes flaws in U.S. foreign land purchase tracking. The USDA criticized for not sharing timely data on foreign investments in agricultural land, with existing processes being overly complex.

Lawmakers see foreign land ownership as a threat to food and national security. They're calling for a government response to protect American farmland.

01/23/2024

US-Made Bradley Fighting Vehicle Challenges Russian T-90M Tank in Ukraine

A new video showcases a U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle successfully engaging a Russian T-90M tank, previously praised by Putin as the best in the world.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry posted footage that captures the Bradley IFV relentlessly attacking the T-90M tank, demonstrating the Bradley’s effectiveness on the battlefield.

This engagement not only questions the T-90M’s reputation as the world’s best tank but also illustrates the Bradley’s role as a formidable “tank killer” on the battlefield.

Check out the link in our bio for the video!

01/22/2024

Deceived and Dispatched: Cuban Mercenaries Reportedly Killed in Ukraine Following Deceptive Recruitment Schemes

Hacked documents & reports reveal Russia's push to recruit Cubans, capitalizing on economic struggles & citizenship perks. Recent law changes open doors for Cubans in Russian military. Recruitment offers include $2,000 upfront, monthly pay, and family benefits.

Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry's response to recruitment ambiguity: Aware of trafficking network, denies involvement. Despite ties, Havana condemns mercenarism and trafficking, vowing to dismantle networks recruiting Cubans for Ukraine conflict.

A disturbing twist: Cubans deceived into military service. Stories like Alex Vegas Diaz & Andorf Velazquez Garcia expose the truth. They thought they were signing up for construction jobs in Russia via Facebook ads, only to end up in Ukraine without documents.

Latest victims of what appears to be a ruthless recruitment scheme, Yansiel Morejón (26) and Raibel Palacio Herrera (21) victims of a recruitment scheme. Morejón died in action, Palacio Herrera in a drone attack. Families await compensation, face uncertainty.

01/19/2024

Time to fly - Supersonic!

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is the culmination of decades of aeronautics and supersonic flight research. The X-59 is designed to be able t...

01/19/2024

X-59 Supersonic Jet Unveiled at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin and NASA unveil the X-59 QueSST in California, a big step towards commercial supersonic flight!

Its cutting-edge design, with a white fuselage, NASA's 'sonic blue' underside, and bold red accents, symbolizes a new era in aviation.

Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator, beams with pride as the X-59 goes from concept to reality. This achievement is a result of incredible teamwork between NASA and Lockheed Martin.

It's engineered to fly supersonic with a minimal sonic boom, potentially paving the way for supersonic flights over land.

The X-59’s first flight is scheduled to occur before the year’s end, and its success could redefine the future of passenger air travel.

01/19/2024

Learn more about the founder of The SOFX Report, Sam Havelock!

Founder of SOFX and former Navy SEAL, Sam Havelock, joins the show to discuss military transition, entrepreneurship, and leadership. What is portfolio entre...

01/19/2024

Israeli Special Forces Engage in Intelligence Activities in Sinai, Libya, and Sudan Amid Gaza Hostage Crisis

Israeli special forces actively gather intelligence in the Middle East, including the Sinai Desert, Sudan, and Libya, with a focus on preventing Hamas smuggling from Gaza, according to Al-Akhbar.

IDF intensifies Gaza ops due to fears of Hamas using tunnels to transport leaders/hostages to Iran and Lebanon, complicating rescue efforts and escalating tensions.

Fears not unfounded. Hostages might be transferred via tunnels to hostile nations, complicated by Cairo's refusal of IDF ops in Egypt despite smuggling concerns.

01/19/2024

Remembering Major Mike Sadler, WWII Sahara Navigator and SAS Legend

Known for his extraordinary skills in guiding Britain’s first special forces across the Sahara, Sadler passed away at 103.

Sadler’s navigation talents were pivotal in numerous behind-the-lines raids against the Axis powers in North Africa, contributing to the destruction of enemy aircraft and troops.

His ability to navigate vast, featureless desert expanses was likened to maritime navigation.

A remarkable life with adventures in Southern Rhodesia, critical S.A.S. roles, and post-war service with the British Foreign Office.

Today, we honor the last surviving S.A.S. member from its founding year, 1941.

01/19/2024

U.S. Special Operators and F-16s Conduct Air Support Drill in Bosnia Amidst Secessionist Tensions.

Recent Bosnia operation: U.S. Special Ops and F-16s collaborated for close air support amid rising tensions. U.S. Embassy reaffirmed commitment to territorial integrity.

Impressive U.S. military exercise in Bosnia's Tuzla and Brcko region: air-to-ground training, JTACs, KC-135 Stratotanker support for F-16s. Led by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, it demonstrates rapid deployment and ally support.

01/19/2024

2 Weeks Ago:

U.S. Eyes West African Coast for Drone Bases Against Militants
The U.S. initiative aims to counter al Qaeda and Islamic State militants operating from regions like Pendjari National Park in Benin.

Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin are being considered for hosting U.S. reconnaissance drone bases.

The effort represents a strategic shift in U.S. military presence, focusing on coastal West African states.

The plan signals a broader retrenchment and adaptation of U.S. military efforts in West Africa.