SOFREP Daily: Mystery Drones Prompt Temporary Flight Ban, Putin Challenges West to Test Hypersonic Missile, Japan Inspects US Base After Chemical Leak

Hello and happy Friday! Here’s your global affairs and defense roundup for December 20. With the holiday season in full swing, let’s catch up on the stories shaping the world today.

US Marine Corps Veterans Face High Suicide Risk Despite Decline

The number of veteran suicides in 2022 stayed steady at about 18 a day, according to a new Veterans Affairs (VA) report released Thursday. While that’s a sobering figure, it’s a slight improvement from the peak in 2018.

Encouragingly, younger and homeless veterans saw noticeable declines in suicide rates, with drops of nearly 4 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

Female veterans also saw a significant 24 percent decrease.

However, challenges remain—particularly among Marine Corps veterans, who still face much higher risks than their peers in other branches, though their rates have declined since 2020. Firearms continue to be a major factor, accounting for over 73 percent of veteran suicides.

I hope the @HouseVetAffairs Health hearing witness was correct today when she said the vet suicide numbers are coming down.

I look forward to seeing the results of VA’s studies for 2024 because one thing is certain — the VA cannot continue to see a rise in suicides. pic.twitter.com/x97eiwrezS

— Congressman Morgan Luttrell (@RepLuttrell) December 17, 2024

The VA is doubling down on prevention, including distributing millions of gun locks and investing heavily in mental health resources.

The VA’s Veterans Crisis Line reportedly made a real impact, reducing suicide rates by nearly 23 percent for those who used it. Leaders say more needs to be done, but the data offers hope for continued progress.

You can see the full VA report here. Service members and veterans in crisis, or those who know someone in crisis, can get confidential support 24/7 by calling the Veterans/Military Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1), texting 838255, or chatting online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net.

Mystery Drones Prompt Temporary Flight Ban Over New Jersey Infrastructure

Mysterious drones recently spotted buzzing around New Jersey have caught everyone’s attention, leading US officials to issue temporary flight restrictions in the area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Thursday bans on drone flights over 22 critical infrastructure sites until January 17, 2025, following weeks of reports about unidentified aircraft.

While federal agencies insist “there’s no safety or security threat,” the sightings have sparked wild theories, from foreign interference to government cover-ups.

Officials say the sightings likely involve a mix of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones—and even stars mistaken for aircraft. But that hasn’t stopped speculation, especially after social media videos added to the intrigue.

For now, authorities are playing it safe, keeping the skies under tight watch and reassuring the public that there’s no reason to panic.

White House Labels Pakistan’s Missiles an Emerging Threat to the US

On Thursday, a senior White House official raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles, warning they could one day threaten the US.

Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer highlighted Pakistan’s increasingly advanced missile technology, which might enable it to strike targets beyond South Asia, including the US, within the next decade.

Pakistan has long framed its missile and nuclear programs as a deterrent against India, but the US questions whether Islamabad’s objectives are shifting.

Tensions between the two countries have been growing since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, with relations further strained by Pakistan’s ties to China and criticism of US-India relations.

Finer’s remarks follow new US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program, targeting its state-run defense agency for the first time.

Despite repeated US warnings, Pakistani officials have dismissed the concerns, claiming bias. Experts see this public acknowledgment as a significant escalation in US-Pakistan relations, with some calling it a “dramatic development.”

Pakistan’s missile advancements, paired with its arsenal of about 170 nuclear warheads, signal a troubling shift in global security dynamics, raising questions about its long-term strategic goals.

Ethnic Tensions Escalate in Manipur Amid Myanmar Conflict Spillover

Manipur’s ethnic conflict has taken a dangerous turn as militants from Myanmar re-enter the state, bringing advanced weapons and battle experience.

Indian security forces reported Friday that these fighters—both Meitei and Kuki groups—are fueling the already bitter 19-month-long feud between the Hindu Meiteis and Christian Kukis.

Since May 2023, violence has killed 260 people and displaced over 60,000.

Fighters from Myanmar civil war aggravate bitter ethnic conflict in India https://t.co/v8oHD6nQl6 pic.twitter.com/tViTsFFDz1

— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) December 20, 2024

The situation worsened after militants who had supported Myanmar’s military regime or rebel forces crossed back into Manipur, equipped with rocket launchers and foreign-made rifles. Adding to the chaos, the arms trade, extortion, and illegal drug operations have become major sources of funding for these groups.

India has deployed nearly 67,000 soldiers and announced plans to fence its border with Myanmar, but the conflict shows no signs of slowing.

Meanwhile, looted weapons from state armories and imported arms from Myanmar are deepening the divide. With tensions rising, Manipur is now a flashpoint for local and international unrest.

Putin Challenges West to Test Hypersonic Missile in Kyiv

In a bold move, Russian President Vladimir Putin threw down the gauntlet Thursday, challenging the West to test Russia’s hypersonic Oreshnik missile by targeting a site in Kyiv equipped with top-tier air defenses.

Putin claimed these defenses wouldn’t stand a chance, calling it a “high-tech duel of the 21st century.” This declaration came during his annual press conference, where he also signaled a willingness to negotiate over Ukraine with US President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing that “politics is the art of compromise.”

Meanwhile, Putin dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyas a legitimate negotiating partner and accused Ukraine of blocking peace talks under Western pressure. He also pledged to liberate the Kursk region, occupied by Ukrainian forces since August, though he didn’t give a timeline.

Putin’s insistence on Ukraine’s complete surrender reflects his belief that Russia is winning and will outlast Ukrainian & Western resolve. Putin will not likely accept a lesser settlement unless Ukrainian forces inflict other significant battlefield setbacks on Russia…🧵(1/5) https://t.co/IyDsbUh4G4 pic.twitter.com/bt3qKI1HNH

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 20, 2024

On the battlefield, the violence shows no signs of slowing.

Russian missiles hit Kryvyi Rih, leaving parts of the city without power, while Russia claims to have shot down 84 Ukrainian drones overnight.

North Korea’s involvement is reportedly escalating, with over 10,000 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia and significant casualties among their ranks.

China Lets Investigators Board Ship in Baltic Sea Cable Probe

A Chinese bulk carrier, Yi Peng 3, is at the center of an international investigation into damaged undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.

These cables, which connect Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania, were mysteriously severed in mid-November, and investigators quickly zeroed in on the ship after tracking its location near the incidents.

After a month-long diplomatic standoff, China has now allowed officials from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark to board the ship for inspection.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen confirmed the inspection on Thursday and expects the vessel to be released once it’s completed.

BREAKING:

Swedish police just boarded the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3

It’s crew is suspected of having destroyed 2 undersea telecom cables linking Finland-Germany and Sweden-Lithuania a couple of weeks ago

It was intercepted by the Danish Navy while trying to leave the Baltic Sea pic.twitter.com/zenEYDYsfq

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 19, 2024

Western intelligence suspects the ship caused the damage but is divided on whether it was sabotage or an accident.

Swedish prosecutors are leading the investigation, with the breaches occurring in their exclusive economic zone.

While there’s no immediate comment from China, the case has raised questions about maritime security and the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure.

Japan Inspects US Base After Chemical Leak

Japanese officials inspected the Yokota Air Base in Tokyo on Friday after learning about a chemical spill involving PFOS (abbreviated for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), a substance classified as “possibly carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The US military informed Japanese local authorities two months ago that water containing PFOS leaked during a firefighting drill.

The defense ministry and Tokyo government officials carried out the inspection, addressing local residents’ growing concerns.

PFOS, part of the “forever chemicals” group, doesn’t break down easily and raises red flags worldwide.

Japan inspects U.S. base in Tokyo over possible PFAS chemical leakhttps://t.co/lwi8WyONFO#YokotaAirBase #PFAS #Japan

— Kyodo News | Japan (@kyodo_english) December 20, 2024

This incident is the latest in a series of frustrations for locals near US military bases in Japan, including noise complaints, pollution, and accidents. Okinawa, which hosts the majority of US bases in Japan, has been particularly vocal.

Recently, some Marines stationed in Okinawa began relocating to Guam, adding another layer of complexity to Japan’s ongoing issues with America’s military presence.

Sources: CBS News, Reuters, Other News Agencies