SOFREP Morning Brief: US Hits Over 100 Houthi Targets in Yemen as Red Sea Campaign Intensifies, Mexico Rejects US Drone Strike Proposal Against Cartels

A high-impact snapshot of today’s defense and foreign affairs arena: US airstrikes hammer over a hundred Houthi targets in Yemen as Red Sea threats persist. Israel tightens its grip on Gaza, ramping up pressure on Hamas with new buffer zones. Four Americans face charges in a failed Congolese coup tied to drones and pipe bombs. Mexico pushes back hard on talk of US drone strikes against cartels. Europe eyes a post-war Ukraine peace force—with or without American backing. A Lithuanian fighter falls in Ukraine’s east, and the US greenlights a $1 billion missile sale to Australia under AUKUS. Here’s your SOFREP morning brief for Thursday, April 10, 2025.

—

 

US Hits Over 100 Houthi Targets in Yemen as Red Sea Campaign Intensifies

American forces have conducted more than 100 airstrikes against Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen since March 15, according to a US defense official speaking on Wednesday.

The strikes are part of a renewed military campaign aimed at neutralizing threats to commercial and military vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, detailed that US forces have destroyed command and control centers, weapons manufacturing sites, and advanced weapons storage facilities.

The strikes come in response to persistent Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes, which have severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Suez Canal.

2/ CENTCOM has conducted at least 20 airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure and leadership in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen since CTP-ISW’s last data cutoff on April 8. More details ⬇️ https://t.co/l5iwg0gkF6 pic.twitter.com/kRD9XDnnrZ

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 10, 2025

The Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group controlling significant portions of Yemen, have been targeting commercial ships since late 2023. The group claims the attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Despite repeated US strikes, Houthi forces continue to launch attacks against American naval assets and Israeli-linked vessels.

Shipping disruptions have forced global carriers to reroute vessels around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal—a key passage for approximately 12% of global trade, leading to longer transit times and increased costs.

While the air campaign began under the Biden administration, President Donald Trump voiced strong support for continued military action last week.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned:

“The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.”

The Houthis have been engaged in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2015. Despite international pressure and sustained strikes, the group shows no sign of de-escalating its campaign in the Red Sea region.

 

Israel Expands Buffer Zones in Gaza, Pressures Hamas on Hostage Release

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday that the military is seizing and incorporating large swaths of Gaza into new buffer zones, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

Katz made the statement during a visit to the newly established Morag Corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

“Large areas are being seized and added to Israel’s security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated,” Katz said.

He added that residents were already evacuating from combat zones and urged Gazans to oust Hamas leadership to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages.

“This is the only way to stop the war,” he warned, stating that Israel would escalate military operations across Gaza until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are freed.

Katz also confirmed Israel is working to implement US President Trump’s proposal for the “voluntary emigration” of Gaza residents.

“Large areas are being seized and added to Israel’s security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated.”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that the military is seizing large areas in Gaza, expanding its buffer zone pic.twitter.com/5SACn5PSiW

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) April 10, 2025

Israel resumed full-scale operations in the Gaza Strip on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Attempts to negotiate a new truce have failed.

Earlier Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City killed at least 23 civilians, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. Victims included women and children.

The Israeli military responded by saying it targeted a senior Hamas operative involved in planning attacks, but did not name the individual. The military reiterated its claim that Hamas uses civilians as human shields, an accusation Hamas denies.

 

Four Americans Charged in Failed Coup Plot Against Congolese Government

The US Department of Justice has charged three American citizens repatriated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with participating in a failed coup attempt to overthrow the government in May 2024. A fourth man, a US-based explosives expert, was also charged with aiding the operation.

The suspects—Marcel Malanga, 22, Tyler Thompson Jr., 22, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 37—were previously detained in Congo, where they were sentenced to death. Their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. On Tuesday, they were transferred to US custody.

The fourth defendant, Joseph Peter Moesser, 67, was arrested in Utah and is set to appear in court in Salt Lake City.

The charges include conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to bomb government facilities, and conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in a foreign country. If convicted, the men face lengthy prison sentences.

The US criminal complaint outlines a detailed, months-long plan to overthrow Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.

Condamnés à la peine de mort pour des faits hautement répréhensibles, en date du 27 janvier 2025, par la Cour Militaire de Gombe/Kinshasa, les prévenus Marcel Malanga Malu, Taylor Christa Thompson et Zalman Polun Benjamin Reben ont bénéficié de la commutation de leurs peines… pic.twitter.com/wiiNQzRlf5

— Présidence RDC 🇨🇩 (@Presidence_RDC) April 8, 2025

According to federal prosecutors, the men conspired to arm a rebel force, acquire drones and military-style weapons, and conduct explosives and weapons training in Utah.

The plot culminated in an attack on the presidential palace and a deputy prime minister’s residence in Kinshasa, where at least six people were killed, including Christian Malanga—the alleged coup leader and father of Marcel.

Court documents say Marcel Malanga called himself the “Chief of Staff of the Zaire Army” and acted as a commander in the coup. Prosecutors allege he recruited friends, including Thompson—a drone specialist—offering large sums of money and promising roles in a new government dubbed “New Zaire.” Zalman-Polun allegedly helped coordinate recruitment and was promised a top administrative role post-coup.

Moesser, described as a longtime associate of the elder Malanga, is accused of training participants in explosives and drone-based attacks, including the use of flamethrowers and pipe bombs. Investigators say he helped ship weapons to Congo and has a prior conviction for attempting to bring explosive black powder onto a plane.

The Justice Department’s detention memo calls the men a severe threat to public safety and a flight risk. Prosecutors cited extensive evidence, including social media footage and communications showing their involvement in both planning and executing the failed coup.

The charges follow recent geopolitical developments, as the US and Congo engage in negotiations around mineral access and regional security cooperation in the country’s rebel-infested east.

 

Mexico Rejects US Drone Strike Proposal Against Cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected the possibility of US drone strikes on cartel targets inside Mexican territory, warning that such unilateral action would violate national sovereignty and risk collapsing US-Mexico cooperation.

“We do not agree with any kind of intervention or interference,” Sheinbaum stated Tuesday during her daily press briefing, reaffirming her administration’s opposition to foreign military operations in Mexico.

Her remarks come amid reports that the Trump administration is weighing drone strikes to target narcotics traffickers operating near the southern US border.

NBC News, citing six current and former US officials, reported that Washington is considering unilaterally deploying drones to combat Mexican cartels if diplomatic efforts stall.

The Trump White House has already designated six cartels as foreign terrorist organizations—a move that stirred significant backlash in Mexico.

Although Sheinbaum has agreed to expand intelligence-sharing, including surveillance flights involving US military and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assets, she drew a clear line at kinetic operations.

Analysts warn that airstrikes on Mexican soil could severely damage diplomatic ties and jeopardize ongoing collaboration on border security, drug interdiction, and immigration control.

“Unilateral US strikes on Mexican soil would be devastating for the bilateral relations,” said Gustavo A. Flores-Macías, a government professor at Cornell University.

He cautioned that such action could lead to the severing of diplomatic ties and the collapse of existing security frameworks.

Despite tensions, Sheinbaum has garnered praise for adopting a tougher stance on organized crime. Her administration has made record drug seizures, extradited 29 cartel figures to the US, and abandoned the passive “hugs not bullets” strategy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

President Trump, while publicly commending Sheinbaum as a “marvelous woman,” continues to argue that the US should “wage war” against drug cartels. Experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of drone strikes against decentralized trafficking networks operating in makeshift labs that are easily rebuilt.

As the debate continues, the future of US-Mexico security cooperation hangs in the balance, with drone strikes threatening to undo years of joint counter-cartel progress.

 

UK and France Lead Push to Form Peacekeeping Force for Post-War Ukraine

Britain and France will convene defense ministers from roughly 30 nations at NATO headquarters on Thursday to accelerate plans for deploying troops to Ukraine in the event of a future peace deal with Russia.

The meeting marks the first gathering of defense chiefs representing the so-called “coalition of the willing,” following recent high-level visits to Kyiv by British and French military officers.

The proposed force would not be stationed along Ukraine’s border with Russia but positioned further from the ceasefire line—potentially outside Ukraine itself—to serve as a rapid deployment unit if Russia violates a future agreement.

British officials have discussed a troop range between 10,000 and 30,000 personnel, though exact numbers remain uncertain.

The UK 🇬🇧 and France 🇫🇷 will host Defence Ministers in the Coalition of the Willing at #NATO HQ today

They’ll continue operational planning for a reassurance force to protect a just and lasting peace in #Ukraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/udzzg7bLcE

— UK Joint Delegation to NATO (@UKNATO) April 10, 2025

The force’s composition and credibility will depend on its size and the nature of the peace accord, but member nations remain hesitant to commit troops without US backing. While the US is not participating in Thursday’s talks, its airpower or military support is considered vital for the coalition’s operational effectiveness.

The Trump administration has not committed to supporting the effort, reinforcing concerns in Europe about long-term US reliability in security matters.

The initiative is being closely watched as a test of Europe’s capacity to independently uphold regional stability and deter future aggression. Many participating nations, having downsized their militaries since the Cold War, are now struggling to rearm and field significant forces.

The Thursday meeting will be followed by a broader NATO gathering on Friday, where defense representatives from approximately 50 nations will seek additional military support for Ukraine. That session will be chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials warn that Russia may be preparing a new offensive to gain leverage in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

MORE: Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that there are currently 623,000 Russian military personnel fighting against Ukraine.

Syrskyi also spoke about Ukraine’s efforts to further develop its tactical and long-range drone capabilities.

The People’s… https://t.co/4EqFw6HiTF pic.twitter.com/06q6dz54Mb

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 10, 2025

 

Lithuanian Volunteer Killed in Action in Eastern Ukraine

A Lithuanian volunteer fighter was killed while battling Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, according to the Lithuanian NGO Blue/Yellow on Wednesday.

The fighter, identified as Tomas V., had gone missing weeks earlier. His body was recovered Tuesday night near the front-line town of Kupiansk during a high-risk operation led by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces.

Tomas V. served with Ukraine’s International Legion and was killed during a combat mission.

Tomas. Lithuanian citizen. Ukraine defender. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/dXJfbqLQl8

— Ukraine Front Line (@EuromaidanPR) April 9, 2025

The recovery mission, described by Blue/Yellow as “complex and dangerous,” involved special camouflage equipment to protect Ukrainian troops operating under heavy Russian shelling.

Lithuania, a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to express concern over regional security, alongside fellow Baltic states Estonia and Latvia.

All three countries are European Union (EU) and NATO members.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda paid tribute to the fallen volunteer, stating, “May the heroism and dedication to the ideals of freedom of the fallen soldier remain forever in our memory.”

Heartfelt condolences on the loss of the Lithuanian volunteer who bravely fought in Ukraine.

Ukrainians fight and sacrifice for freedom. Ukraine’s freedom is Europe’s freedom – and Lithuania’s.

Rest in peace, dear volunteer, who went to fight for both Ukraine and Lithuania.

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) April 9, 2025

The Lithuanian foreign ministry had previously confirmed Tomas V. was missing as of March 19. He is the second Lithuanian national to be killed while fighting for Ukraine since the war began.

 

US Approves $1.04 Billion Air-to-Air Missile Sale to Australia

The US has approved a $1.04 billion arms sale to Australia, clearing the potential transfer of up to 200 AIM-120C and AIM-120D advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles along with associated equipment and support.

The announcement came Wednesday from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The DSCA said the proposed sale will enhance Australia’s air defense capabilities by improving aircraft survivability against current and emerging threats.

.@StateDept 🇺🇸 authorizes a Foreign Military Sales #FMS case for 🇦🇺 #Australia to purchase Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for an estimated cost of $1.04 billion. #FMSUpdate – https://t.co/qT7mG31NyA pic.twitter.com/57z3SdFw00

— Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) April 9, 2025

The missile deal comes as part of ongoing defense cooperation under the AUKUS alliance, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. One of AUKUS’s key provisions includes Australia’s acquisition of US-built nuclear-powered submarines, aimed at bolstering military posture in the Indo-Pacific.

Canberra has sought clarity on whether President Trump would honor commitments made under AUKUS. In February, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese raised the issue during a call with Trump, emphasizing bipartisan support for the pact in both countries.

The US State Department has formally approved the sale, and the DSCA has issued the required notification to Congress. Final approval now rests with lawmakers, though significant opposition is not expected.

The deal reinforces Australia’s standing as a critical US ally in the Western Pacific amid rising regional tensions.

 

Sources: News Agencies