SOFREP Morning Brief: Ukraine Captures Chinese Fighters in Russian Ranks, US Deploys Long-Range Surveillance Drones to Okinawa

A lot moved overnight. Ukraine captured two Chinese fighters serving with Russian forces—Kyiv wants answers. In Africa, Trump’s envoy pushes peace talks as Rwanda-backed rebels dig in deeper in Congo. South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean troops crossing the DMZ. The US is sending high-end Triton drones to Okinawa to keep tabs on China. Russia says it reclaimed more ground in Kursk, while Poland downplays US troop shifts near the Ukrainian border. Here’s what’s driving the fight on Wednesday morning, April 9, 2025.

—

US Airstrikes Kill Four in Yemen Following Houthi Attacks on Warships

United States airstrikes on Yemen’s western Hodeida province killed four people and injured 13 others on Tuesday, according to the Houthi rebels’ health ministry.

The strikes came a day after the Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for targeting US and Israeli warships.

Houthi spokesman Anis al-Asbahi called the strikes a “flagrant American aggression” in a statement on X.

Houthi-run Al-Masirah television reported casualties in the Al-Hawak district and said civil defense teams responded to fires and ongoing rescue efforts.

United States launches another round of air strikes on Yemen killing at least four people in the city of Hudaida. Yousef Mawry has more pic.twitter.com/j7KDJPG9Nl

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) April 8, 2025

An AFP reporter near the scene heard three successive explosions. Al-Masirah also reported a US strike on a communications site in Amran province, north of the capital Sanaa, though details remain scarce.

The strikes mark the latest escalation in a sustained US-led air campaign that began on March 15. The operation aims to deter the Houthis from threatening maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Since then, US forces have conducted near-daily strikes on Houthi positions in rebel-held areas.

In response, the Houthis have resumed attacks against commercial and military vessels, as well as Israeli targets. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The group began targeting Red Sea shipping in October 2023 after war broke out in Gaza.

Attacks paused during a brief ceasefire in January but resumed following Israel’s blockade on Gaza and renewed military operations in March.

The Houthi campaign has severely disrupted the Red Sea route, which handles roughly 12 percent of global shipping, forcing vessels to reroute around Africa’s southern coast.

Netanyahu Returns from Washington with Few Gains After Trump Meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rushed visit to Washington ended with limited progress on key issues.

During an hour-long Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump contradicted or sidestepped several of Netanyahu’s top concerns, including Iran, tariffs, Turkey, and the Gaza war.

Trump announced upcoming US-Iran talks, clashing with Netanyahu’s call for military pressure. On tariffs, Trump refused Israeli requests for relief despite Israel dropping its own levies on US goods. Netanyahu also raised alarms over Turkey’s presence in Syria, but Trump praised Turkish President Erdogan and urged restraint.

Regarding Gaza, Trump expressed a desire to see the war end soon, while Netanyahu defended continued operations against Hamas.

Though both leaders maintained a cordial tone, the visit highlighted growing gaps in their alliance. Israeli officials privately described the meeting as tough and largely unproductive.

Trump Adviser Urges Peace in East Africa Amid Escalating Congo Conflict

A senior adviser to US President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to peace and stability in East Africa during a visit to Rwanda on Tuesday, urging a resolution to the escalating conflict in eastern Congo.

Speaking from the US Embassy in Kigali, adviser Massad Boulos said he met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss bilateral relations and the deteriorating situation in Congo.

The meeting followed similar discussions with other regional leaders.

“These conversations made it clear how essential a durable peace is for this region,” Boulos stated. “The United States remains dedicated to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the conflict — one that secures borders and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy.”

The conflict intensified in January when the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda according to United Nations reports, seized the key city of Goma. In February, they took control of Bukavu, expanding their control over parts of the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The UN estimates that 4,000 Rwandan troops are aiding M23 operations.

The escalation threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in one of Africa’s longest-running wars.

Boulos denied US involvement in pressuring M23 or Rwandan forces to withdraw from Walikale, the site of a key tin mine operated by Alphamin Resources. The mine, majority-owned by US-based Denham Capital, suspended operations due to fighting, triggering a spike in global tin prices.

This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa and his delegation. They had a productive discussion on partnerships to achieve long-term peace in the Great Lakes, and plans to scale up U.S. investment in strategic… pic.twitter.com/G8NTrCmmTF

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) April 8, 2025

When asked about potential US military or economic involvement, Boulos emphasized President Trump’s focus on diplomacy, citing ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“President Trump is a man of peace,” he said. “Immediately upon his election, he engaged in peace efforts, whether in the Middle East or Eastern Europe.”

Russia Retakes Key Village in Kursk Region After Months of Fighting

Russia announced Tuesday that its forces have recaptured the village of Guyevo near the Ukrainian border, marking the latest advance in a broader counteroffensive to retake territory seized by Ukrainian forces during last year’s surprise cross-border incursion into the Kursk region.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation, stating that troops had taken control of Guyevo, located south of the strategic town of Sudzha, which Moscow reclaimed last month.

‼️🇷🇺🇺🇦 The Russian Army liberated Guevo in the Kursk region

▪️Fighters of the “Sever” group completed the cleanup of the settlement, driving out Ukrainian special forces and Nazi units from the 129th separate territorial defense brigade. pic.twitter.com/PeKeeDJhlY

— Rajendran (@Rajendr67215893) April 8, 2025

The Kremlin has praised the speed and effectiveness of the renewed Russian offensive in the region, launched in March 2025.

Ukraine’s initial August 2024 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region marked the largest foreign ground operation on Russian soil since World War II. Ukrainian troops captured dozens of settlements and significant territory but now hold only a narrow strip along the border, following a steady Russian pushback over the past several months.

Despite Russian gains, intense fighting continues in border areas, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Monday that Ukrainian forces are now also operating inside Russia’s neighboring Belgorod region.

The Kremlin declined to comment on those claims.

Russian forces have spent the last 13 months and lost over five divisions’ worth of tanks and thousands of troops attacking towards Pokrovsk and trying to seize the town. Ongoing Russian offensive operations to seize Pokrovsk and attack Kostyantynivka highlight Russian President… https://t.co/xSWXEoq90x pic.twitter.com/FmegDd5Hs1

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 9, 2025

In response to ongoing fighting, Moscow has evacuated hundreds of civilians from contested villages in Kursk to safer areas farther east. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged remaining Ukrainian troops in the region to surrender, warning that captured personnel will be treated as terrorists and face criminal prosecution under Russian law.

The Kursk and Belgorod regions have become focal points of a shifting front line, with both sides escalating cross-border operations in a war that continues to grind on into its fourth year.

Ukraine Captures Chinese Fighters in Russian Ranks, Demands Answers from Beijing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region.

The detentions mark a potentially serious diplomatic development in the ongoing war, prompting Kyiv to demand explanations from Beijing and a reaction from Western allies.

“Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army,” Zelenskyy stated in a post on social media, which also included a video of one of the alleged fighters. He said Ukrainian authorities recovered documents, bank cards, and other personal data from the detainees.

Zelensky called the incident “a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything but end the war,” and has directed Ukraine’s foreign ministry to contact Beijing immediately. He also called for a response from the US, Europe, and “everyone in the world who wants peace.”

Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.

We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025

China has maintained that it is a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and insists it has not provided lethal aid to either side. However, NATO countries have labeled Beijing a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war effort due to its continued political and economic support for Moscow.

Zelensky further alleged that “many more Chinese citizens” are participating in the war on Russia’s side, signaling deeper foreign involvement in the conflict.

The development comes as Ukraine also warns of increased Russian cooperation with North Korea. Kyiv claims thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia’s western Kursk region—an area where Ukrainian forces have struggled to advance since launching an offensive last August.

Despite global diplomatic pressure and rounds of failed negotiations, the war—now in its third year—continues without a resolution in sight. Kyiv’s latest appeal adds to mounting international concerns about growing foreign involvement on Russia’s side of the conflict.

Poland Confirms Continued US Military Presence Despite Troop Repositioning

Poland confirmed Tuesday that US troops will remain in the country despite the planned repositioning of personnel and equipment from the key Jasionka base near the Ukrainian border.

The announcement followed a US Army statement outlining the shift of operations from the southeastern hub to other locations within Poland.

US forces have been stationed in Jasionka since just before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The base has played a central role in coordinating military aid to Kyiv, with most supplies flowing through Poland—an European Union (EU) and NATO member that has consistently backed Ukraine.

The US Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF) stated Monday that the troop and equipment repositioning is the result of months of assessment and planning, carried out in close coordination with Polish officials and NATO allies. The military did not disclose the number of personnel affected or the specific new locations.

Strengthening partnerships & enhancing readiness! 🇺🇸🇵🇱

House Armed Services Committee staff visited the #405thAFSB APS-2 site in Powidz, Poland, to assess military construction, logistics, and U.S.-Poland cooperation in defense efforts.#WeAreNATO https://t.co/h9bmguHdLp

— U.S. Army Europe and Africa (@USArmyEURAF) April 7, 2025

Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized that the move does not signify a US withdrawal. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz reinforced the message, stating on social media that “US troops will stay in Poland, but in other locations.”

He added that NATO will now assume responsibility for Jasionka’s operations—a shift reportedly decided at the NATO summit in Washington in July 2024. The minister also noted that other NATO allies will take over duties previously handled by US troops at the site.

Currently, around 10,000 US soldiers are rotating through Poland as part of NATO’s broader force posture in Eastern Europe.

South Korea Fires Warning Shots as North Korean Troops Briefly Cross Border

South Korean forces fired warning shots Tuesday after about 10 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the military demarcation line within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two countries.

The incursion occurred around 5 p.m. local time, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The JCS stated that its troops issued a warning broadcast and fired shots, prompting the North Korean soldiers—some of whom were armed and wearing bulletproof vests—to retreat across the border. The South Korean military continues to monitor the situation and maintain readiness.

NEW 🔴

10 North Korean soldiers breached the South Korea border—South Korea responded with warning shots, forcing them back. pic.twitter.com/0ZY47WVwQx

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 8, 2025

The incident follows reports of increased activity by North Korean troops near the border. On Monday, South Korea observed approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers clearing land and installing barbed wire in frontline areas.

JCS spokesman Lee Sung-jun noted that the North is likely conducting tactical training or evaluations.

Border incursions by North Korean forces have occurred in the past, which Seoul previously assessed as likely accidental. However, tensions remain high following the removal of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol by court order last week, with snap elections scheduled for June 3. Historically, Pyongyang has escalated provocations during key political transitions in the South.

The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, with the 1950–1953 Korean conflict ending in an armistice, not a peace treaty. In recent years, relations have deteriorated sharply. North Korea has destroyed inter-Korean infrastructure, reinforced border defenses with additional mines, and escalated psychological warfare tactics including propaganda balloons and loudspeaker broadcasts.

Seoul also views Pyongyang’s strengthening ties with Moscow as a growing concern. North Korea signed a mutual defense pact with Russia last year and has since sent troops and weapons to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

South Korea’s military leadership has reaffirmed its readiness to respond to any further actions by the North amid the ongoing political transition in Seoul.

US Deploys Long-Range Surveillance Drones to Okinawa to Counter China Threat

The US will deploy MQ-4C Triton long-range surveillance drones to Okinawa, Japan, in the coming weeks to strengthen intelligence-gathering efforts near Taiwan, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced Tuesday.

Nakatani said the unmanned aircraft will operate out of Kadena Air Base and enhance the US-Japan alliance’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence capabilities amid rising security concerns in the region.

“The security environment surrounding our country is becoming increasingly severe,” Nakatani told reporters.

Nakatani cited growing military activity from China, particularly around Taiwan, where Beijing has escalated pressure through frequent drills and incursions.

The Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance drone capable of operating for over 24 hours and covering 7,400 nautical miles, according to manufacturer Northrop Grumman. Its deployment aligns with increased regional tensions and Japan’s broader defense modernization strategy, which includes acquiring smaller attack drones for national defense.

Cruising at altitudes of 50,000 feet for more than 24 hours, our MQ-4C Triton autonomous aircraft makes a vast ocean smaller with precise tracking of maritime threats. Learn how our LN-251 advanced #navigation system keeps it on course: https://t.co/CA64VoTbfL#SAS2025 pic.twitter.com/Kcgjwr06ha

— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) April 8, 2025

Approximately 54,000 US military personnel are stationed across Japan, with a significant presence in Okinawa. The region plays a strategic role in monitoring China’s military expansion and maritime activity.

Local reports indicate Japan scrambled jets 30 times in the past year to intercept drones believed to be from China—up from just nine times the previous fiscal year and four times in 2021, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.

The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump continues to pressure NATO allies and Asia-Pacific partners to increase military spending and share defense burdens, particularly in deterring China and North Korea.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, currently visiting Japan, also highlighted China’s military buildup.

“Let us not be naive about China,” he told the Japan Times, calling Beijing’s defense expansion “staggering.”

The MQ-4C deployment reflects ongoing US and allied efforts to reinforce surveillance and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific amid intensifying strategic competition with China.

Sources: News Agencies