SOFREP Daily: US Navy Warship Makes Rare Stop in Cambodia, Israeli Airstrike Kills 33 Sheltering in Gaza Post Office, Ukrainian Drones Spark Fire at Russian Fuel Depot

It’s Saturday, December 14—let’s get you caught up on the key defense and global affairs of the day.

US Warship Makes Rare Stop in Cambodia After Eight Years

The US Navy’s USS Savannah (LCS-28), an Independence-class littoral combat ship, is set to make a rare visit to Cambodia next week, docking at the port of Sihanoukville from December 16 to 20.

According to a Cambodian statement released Friday, this marks the first US Navy port call in Cambodia in eight years, following a request by Washington.

Cambodia’s defense ministry noted that the visit aims to strengthen friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

U.S. Battleship to Dock at Sihanoukville Port Next Week https://t.co/uyJ3BgeDOM pic.twitter.com/pDGvVOBeae

— PM’s Office of Cambodia 🇰🇭 (@peacepalace_kh) December 14, 2024

While the visit is a positive step, US-Cambodia relations have been strained over concerns about political repression and suspected Chinese military activity at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base.

Located near Sihanoukville, the base has raised alarms in Washington, with fears that it could support Chinese strategic interests, such as access to the critical Malacca Strait.

The USS Savannah’s itinerary includes a meeting with the commander of Ream Naval Base, local officials, and joint crew activities like sports competitions with Cambodian Navy personnel.

This visit follows US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s talks with Cambodian leaders in June, signaling efforts to rebuild military ties despite lingering geopolitical tensions.

Israeli Airstrike Kills 33 Sheltering in Gaza Post Office: Reports

Grief filled the streets of Gaza Friday as families buried 33 people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a post office in Nuseirat camp where displaced Palestinians had sought refuge.

The strike, which also damaged nearby homes, came as part of Israel’s targeting of a senior Islamic Jihad member, though no names were released.

Nuseirat, a historic refugee camp turned densely packed urban area, has become a symbol of the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict. Survivors described scenes of unimaginable loss to reporters on the ground, with loved ones buried under rubble and families torn apart.

Attacks on a post office in the Nuseirat camp killed dozens of displaced Palestinians who had sought shelter https://t.co/wDkUuDHUUd pic.twitter.com/BDDO9GEqga

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 13, 2024

The violence comes amidst faltering ceasefire efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

The 14-month conflict has left Gaza devastated, with nearly 44,900 Palestinians killed, severe displacement, and widespread hunger.

In Tel Aviv, US officials signaled that a ceasefire and hostage release might be within reach, though the path forward remains uncertain as the toll of violence continues to rise.

Russia Praises Trump’s Stance as Conflict with Ukraine Escalates

The Kremlin has praised US President-elect Donald Trump Friday for opposing Ukraine’s use of American weapons to strike Russian territory, calling his stance “fully aligned” with Moscow’s position.

This came hours after Russia launched one of its largest missile barrages yet, targeting Ukraine’s energy grid in response to Kyiv using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles earlier in the week.

Russia fired 94 missiles and nearly 200 drones in the assault, causing significant damage to Ukraine’s power infrastructure and leaving thousands without electricity during freezing winter temperatures.

Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of using terror to push for negotiations on its terms.

Another Russian missile strike against Ukraine. Cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. According to preliminary reports, 93 missiles were launched, including at least one North Korean missile. A total of 81 missiles were shot down, 11 of which were cruise missiles intercepted by…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 13, 2024

The situation has sparked concerns about Trump’s potential influence on US support for Ukraine, despite his insistence that he won’t abandon the country.

Meanwhile, Western leaders are ramping up aid and considering peacekeeping options, though the Kremlin remains firm that peace will only come on its terms after achieving its goals.

Ukrainian Drones Spark Fire at Russian Fuel Depot

Ukraine reportedly launched a series of drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, igniting a fire at a fuel storage facility in the Oryol region and damaging nearby homes, according to regional governor Andrei Klychkov on Saturday.

The attack was part of a “mass assault” that shattered windows but caused no reported injuries.

Drone strikes were also reported in other Russian regions, including Krasnodar, Bryansk, and Belgorod.

Russia’s air defenses intercepted several drones, but some managed to damage homes and, in Belgorod, injure one resident. Fires caused by the attacks were swiftly extinguished.

Videos circulating on Ukrainian military blogs showed flames at what was claimed to be the Oryol fuel depot, though these reports have not been independently verified.

Overnight, Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in Oryol, Russia.

Russian sources claim that air defense shot down a total of 37 drones over Russia.#Ukraine️ #UkraineRussiaWar #Russia pic.twitter.com/L70GSAFYvK

— Ulfh3dnar (@Ulfh3dnar_) December 14, 2024

The strikes highlight ongoing tensions as Ukraine continues to target Russian infrastructure amid the broader conflict.

Satellite Images Show Russian Forces Packing Up in Syria: Reports

Recent satellite images and verified footage suggest Russian forces are packing up key military bases in Syria, signaling a potential withdrawal after the fall of their ally, Bashar Al-Assad, last week.

Videos captured Russian convoys moving equipment north, and images from Maxar Technologies showed dismantled helicopters and transport planes at Hmeimim airbase.

French Salafi Jihadists celebrate and taunt the Russia Army as Russian soldiers are forced to escape toward Turkey from the Russian Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia, Syria

🇫🇷🇷🇺🇸🇾 pic.twitter.com/Q50c9EJVzL

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 12, 2024

Russia’s bases in Syria, like Hmeimim and Tartus, have been central to its Middle Eastern strategy since its intervention in 2015. With Assad’s downfall, Moscow faces a significant loss of influence in the region.

While the Kremlin has downplayed the impact, citing Ukraine as its current priority, discussions are reportedly underway with Syria’s new leadership to address military and diplomatic arrangements.

The shift marks a major blow for Russia, which had played a pivotal role in keeping Assad in power for years.

Observers see the movements as part of a broader recalibration as Moscow adapts to a drastically changed landscape in Syria.

South Korea’s Yoon Battles Political Fallout After Impeachment

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by parliament Saturday over his brief but shocking attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.

Now suspended from his duties, Yoon has vowed to fight for his political future, insisting that his controversial decision was necessary to address political gridlock.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court will decide within six months whether he will be permanently removed from office.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as acting president, promising stability during the political turmoil.

Yoon’s impeachment, backed by members of his own party, marks the second time in recent history that a conservative South Korean president has faced such a fate, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017.

The impeachment follows widespread backlash after Yoon briefly granted emergency powers to the military to tackle “anti-state forces” before retracting the decree hours later. The move plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis, leading to criminal investigations and travel bans against Yoon.

Protests erupted across the country, with supporters of Yoon’s removal celebrating near parliament while his defenders quickly dispersed after the vote.

Sources: News Agencies