SOFREP Daily: Pentagon Warns of China’s Expanding Military Ambitions, Israeli Strikes Hit Yemen Ports and Power Plants, Syrian HTS Leader Plans to Dissolve Armed Wing
SOFREP Daily roundup for Thursday, December 19. (Image grab via X)
Good Morning! Here’s your daily dose of defense and global affairs insights for Thursday, December 19, bringing you the latest developments shaping the world’s security landscape.
Pentagon Warns of China’s Expanding Military Ambitions in Latest Report
According to a new Pentagon report released Wednesday, China’s military ambitions are making waves.
Over the past year, Beijing has ramped up its nuclear arsenal, upped military pressure on Taiwan, and cozied up to Russia. But it’s not all smooth sailing for China as corruption scandals within its Central Military Commission are creating hurdles, thus slowing progress in key areas of its military modernization.
The report reveals that China’s nuclear force is growing both in number and sophistication, aiming for diverse targeting and greater damage capability.
Currently, China has over 600 nuclear warheads, a number expected to hit 1,000 by 2030. At the same time, tensions over Taiwan remain high, with increased naval and air activity around the island, raising concerns about a potential blockade.
Despite Beijing’s aggressive moves, the outgoing Biden administration is working on a dual strategy, bolstering America’s presence in the Asia-Pacific while trying to improve diplomatic communication.
There’s been a slight dip in risky intercepts of American aircraft recently, but unsafe Chinese flights near the US and allied forces are still happening.
The report also highlights China’s deepening ties with Russia, including support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the sale of dual-use items for military purposes.
Good Morning! Here’s your daily dose of defense and global affairs insights for Thursday, December 19, bringing you the latest developments shaping the world’s security landscape.
Pentagon Warns of China’s Expanding Military Ambitions in Latest Report
According to a new Pentagon report released Wednesday, China’s military ambitions are making waves.
Over the past year, Beijing has ramped up its nuclear arsenal, upped military pressure on Taiwan, and cozied up to Russia. But it’s not all smooth sailing for China as corruption scandals within its Central Military Commission are creating hurdles, thus slowing progress in key areas of its military modernization.
The report reveals that China’s nuclear force is growing both in number and sophistication, aiming for diverse targeting and greater damage capability.
Currently, China has over 600 nuclear warheads, a number expected to hit 1,000 by 2030. At the same time, tensions over Taiwan remain high, with increased naval and air activity around the island, raising concerns about a potential blockade.
Despite Beijing’s aggressive moves, the outgoing Biden administration is working on a dual strategy, bolstering America’s presence in the Asia-Pacific while trying to improve diplomatic communication.
There’s been a slight dip in risky intercepts of American aircraft recently, but unsafe Chinese flights near the US and allied forces are still happening.
The report also highlights China’s deepening ties with Russia, including support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the sale of dual-use items for military purposes.
Meanwhile, China’s push to match US standards in drone technology shows that it’s not backing down from its long-term goals.
You can check out the Pentagon’s full report here.
Israeli Strikes Hit Yemen Ports and Power Plants
On Thursday, Israel launched strikes on ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen, targeting Houthi rebels after intercepting a missile fired toward its territory.
The strikes, described by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as a warning to Houthi leaders, hit key facilities in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the port city of Hodeidah, reportedly causing casualties.
Israel launched airstrikes on power plants, a port and an oil facility in Yemen, marking an escalation in the conflict with Houthi fighters, reports said https://t.co/ekTaPyKQrQpic.twitter.com/WVIIbUSv0v
This marked the second missile intercepted by Israel from Yemen this week, as Houthi forces continue attacks in solidarity with Palestinians over the Gaza conflict.
Israeli officials accuse the Houthis, backed by Iran, of being a “global threat” and vow to act against any regional threats to Israel’s security.
The Houthis, meanwhile, claim their operations will persist until Israel ends its military action in Gaza and lifts the blockade. The group has also targeted shipping in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region.
Syrian HTS Leader Plans to Dissolve Armed Wing
The military leader of Syria’s Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Murhaf Abu Qasra (aka Abu Hassan al-Hamawi), announced plans to dissolve the group’s armed wing and integrate into Syria’s military under a new leadership.
In a recent interview, he emphasized that all military forces should unite under a national institution, rejecting federalism and asserting Syria’s territorial unity, including Kurdish-held areas.
Abu Qasra called for international intervention to address repeated Israeli strikes and the presence of Israeli forces in southern Syria, labeling them unjust.
Additionally, he urged Western governments to lift the “terrorist” designation on HTS and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), portraying the group as a future part of Syria’s state institutions.
In an interview in Latakia, Murhaf Abu Qasra, military chief of the Syrian rebels, called on the international community to address Israeli military strikes on Syria and lift the “terrorist” designation on HTS and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
HTS, designated a terrorist organization by the US and others, has been trying to soften its image, pledging to protect minorities and present itself as a legitimate political and military entity.
Indian Troops Neutralize Gunmen in Latest Kashmir Standoff
Indian security forces killed five suspected militants in Kashmir on Thursday during ongoing clashes, with two soldiers injured in the operation.
This latest flare-up highlights the enduring violence in the disputed Himalayan region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947.
Security forces display arms and ammunitions recovered from militants killed in a gunfight in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Five local militants have been killed in the joint operation carried out by Jammua and Kashmir Police (@JmuKmrPolice) and Indian Army (@adgpi) on… pic.twitter.com/dPuhr3kQH6
Kashmir remains heavily militarized, with half a million Indian troops combating a decades-long insurgency pushing for independence or unification with Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked the region’s partial autonomy in 2019, bringing it under direct rule, a move that has deepened tensions.
India accuses Pakistan of supporting militants in the area, a claim Islamabad denies.
The region’s 12 million residents are now governed by a New Delhi-appointed administration, though voters recently elected a local government in opposition to Modi’s policies.
Germany Approves $20 Billion Defense Upgrade Amid NATO Tensions
Germany is making a historic investment in its military, approving over 20 billion euros ($20.7 billion) for new defense equipment.
The package, reportedly approved Wednesday, includes submarines, a frigate, Patriot missile defenses, rocket artillery, and cyber upgrades.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called it the largest defense approval ever, with long-term projects like submarines expected to take years to complete.
This spending is part of Germany’s push to rebuild its military after years of neglect, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising NATO tensions.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously announced a 100 billion euros ($103.8 billion) fund to modernize the armed forces, bringing defense spending in line with NATO’s target of two percent of GDP.
Germany’s arms exports also hit a record 13.2 billion euros ($12.7 billion) this year, with Ukraine as the largest recipient, followed by Singapore, Algeria, and the US.
Despite political challenges, including Scholz’s minority government, Pistorius noted bipartisan support for the defense budget as a critical national priority.
Judge Warns Pardoning Stewart Rhodes Would Threaten Democracy
On Wednesday, a federal judge reportedly warned of the dangerous implications if Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, were pardoned.
Rhodes, who is serving 18 years for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol riot, orchestrated a violent plan to keep Donald Trump in power after losing the 2020 election.
Judge Amit Mehta called the possibility of such a pardon “frightening” during the sentencing of William Todd Wilson, a former Oath Keepers member who pleaded guilty to the same charge.
This comes as President-elect Trump has reiterated his pledge to pardon January 6 rioters, referring to them as “patriots” and “hostages.” Trump has also suggested pardons for other key figures, like former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 22-year sentence.
Wilson avoided prison time, receiving home detention and probation instead after cooperating with investigators and showing remorse.
Judge Mehta praised Wilson for owning up to his actions but noted the chilling reality of the Oath Keepers’ plans, which included stockpiling weapons near Washington, DC. The judge emphasized how close the nation came to a catastrophic escalation during the riot.
Separately, prosecutors opposed a Capitol rioter’s request to attend Trump’s January 20 inauguration, citing ongoing concerns about public safety.
Putin Offers Talks With Trump on Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Thursday openness to negotiating with Donald Trump to end the Ukraine war, saying he’s ready for talks and willing to consider compromises—but only if the “other side needs to be ready” too.
Speaking during his annual Q&A session, Putin claimed Russian forces are advancing towards their goals in Ukraine and suggested the conflict could wind down as Ukrainian fighters become scarce.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at his annual Q&A session. (Image grab via X)
Putin dismissed the idea that Russia is in a weak position, emphasizing the country’s military and strategic strength since the war began in 2022.
While open to a ceasefire deal, he ruled out significant territorial concessions and demanded Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions.
Additionally, Putin addressed other international issues, including the future of Russian military bases in Syria and efforts to locate missing US journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012. He said he plans to discuss the case with Syria’s current leadership after receiving a plea from Tice’s family.
Sources: News Agencies
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