SOFREP Daily: Nigerian Airstrikes Kill Civilians in Sokoto, WHO Chief Witnesses Chaos During Attack on Yemen’s Sanaa Airport, China Unveils Stealth Jets in Bold New Designs

Welcome to your weekend update! It’s Saturday, December 28, and we’re bringing you the latest in defense and global affairs. Here’s what you need to know today.

NATO Supports Finland, Estonia After Baltic Sabotage

NATO is stepping up its military presence in the Baltic Sea after a suspected sabotage damaged an undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia on Christmas Day.

The cable, known as Estlink 2, was cut just weeks after two telecom cables were severed in Swedish waters.

Finnish authorities are investigating whether a Russian-linked oil tanker, Eagle S, might have been involved, possibly damaging the cable with its anchor.

NATO said it would boost its presence in the Baltic Sea after the suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable and four internet cables, while alliance member Estonia launched a naval operation to guard a parallel electricity link https://t.co/surj14L7vc pic.twitter.com/XCuLYjKeco

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 27, 2024

The incident has added to growing tensions in the region since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with NATO pledging full support to Finland and Estonia.

Both countries have increased naval patrols to protect their infrastructure.

Estonian officials warned Friday that they’re ready to defend critical connections with both military and non-military measures.

The European Union has also promised tougher sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of vessels allegedly used to bypass Western oil embargoes.

This latest act of sabotage underscores the region’s vulnerability to attacks on vital infrastructure and the growing need for vigilance as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.

WHO Chief Witnesses Chaos During Attack on Yemen’s Sanaa Airport

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says he’s lucky to be alive after an Israeli airstrike hit Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, where he was waiting to board a flight.

The blasts, which were terrifyingly close to where Tedros was sitting, left him and others scrambling for safety in a building with no shelters.

“A slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit,” he told Reuters on Friday, describing the chaotic scene of people running and the sounds of drones overhead.

The strikes were part of Israel’s ongoing operations against the Houthi movement, which has been launching missiles and drones toward Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Tedros and his colleagues were stuck in the airport for over an hour, surrounded by missile debris, before eventually evacuating.

Footage capturing the moment an Israeli airstrike targeted Sanaa International Airport in Yemen while the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was present.

– the UN crew member getting injured in the footage. pic.twitter.com/JH9FzgFSWG

— S p r i n t e r (@SprinterFamily) December 27, 2024

Despite the ordeal, Tedros stressed that his near-miss isn’t unique, highlighting the daily dangers civilians face in conflict zones.

“I feel for those who are facing the same thing every single day,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the state of the world, urging leaders to find solutions to end global conflicts.

Tedros had been in Yemen trying to negotiate the release of United Nations personnel and aid workers held by the Houthis. Talks reportedly went well, and there’s hope for the release of those detained. However, the incident underscores the risks of operating in such high-tension areas.

US THAAD System Intercepts Threat in Israel

For the first time, the US-made advanced THAAD missile defense system was used in Israel to intercept a potential threat, a source revealed on Friday.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, deployed by President Biden in October, targeted a projectile launched from Yemen within the last 24 hours.

The American THAAD missile defense system was used to intercept the Houthi ballistic missile yesterday. This is the first time the system has been used to combat a ballistic missile. pic.twitter.com/IS7fr3HOeO

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 27, 2024

Officials are still analyzing whether the interception was successful. This comes after Israel carried out airstrikes in Yemen, hitting sites connected to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

The strikes killed at least six people, according to Houthi media. The Houthis have been firing drones and missiles toward Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The UN raised concerns about the situation, warning that strikes on civilian infrastructure like Yemen’s Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With over 18 million Yemenis already relying on aid, damage to key facilities could escalate suffering.

UN officials emphasized that parties in the conflict have a responsibility to avoid civilian targets.

Meanwhile, the deployment of the THAAD system highlights the increasing complexity of air defense in the region, with Israel and its allies navigating growing threats.

Health Officials: Israeli Forces Raid, Detain Staff at Gaza Hospital

The situation in northern Gaza escalated on Friday as Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya.

Dozens of patients and hundreds of others were forced to evacuate, with parts of the hospital reportedly on fire.

Gaza’s health ministry stated that contact with hospital staff had been lost, and later accused Israeli forces of detaining the hospital director and several employees.

The Israeli military claimed it facilitated evacuations and accused Hamas of using the hospital as a stronghold, allegations that Hamas denies.

Meanwhile, the fighting continues to devastate the region.

Strikes elsewhere in Gaza killed at least 25 people, including 15 in a single house.

Northern Gaza has seen weeks of intense bombardment, and much of the area has been cleared of residents.

Speculation is mounting that Israel plans to turn the region into a buffer zone. With over 45,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since the conflict began, most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, leaving the region in ruins.

The war, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, shows no signs of slowing, as both sides dig in for what seems to be an unrelenting conflict.

France Hands Over Military Base in Chad

France is wrapping up its military presence in Chad, handing over its first base in Faya-Largeau, with plans to exit completely by January. This comes after Chad abruptly ended its military cooperation with France last month.

French troops have already begun moving south toward the capital, N’Djamena, and cargo planes are shipping out equipment.

The withdrawal marks the end of a long-standing military partnership dating back to Chad’s independence in 1960.

France’s forces have played a key role over the years, including providing air support during rebel uprisings. But with Chad’s pivot toward Russia and regional shifts in alliances, it seems the relationship has run its course.

France’s presence in Africa has been shrinking after similar exits from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

🇫🇷🇹🇩| Almost a month after Chad’s request for France to leave the country, Faya base in the north of the country has been handed over to the local armed forces.

Unlike Niger last year, there are no particular problems. French forces are disengaging very quickly.… https://t.co/sBkpdvP1g2 pic.twitter.com/RfDgTFB6sN

— Casus Belli (@casusbellii) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Chad prepares for upcoming elections as it navigates new international partnerships.

Nigerian Airstrikes Kill Civilians in Sokoto State

A tragic mistake during Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto state has left 10 civilians dead and six others injured, local officials reported Thursday.

The strikes, aimed at targeting suspected jihadists in the Lakurawa group, accidentally hit two villages near the forested area where the operation took place.

Homes, livestock, and grain silos were also destroyed in the incident.

Local officials and Sokoto’s governor, Ahmad Aliyu, have called for an investigation, describing the deaths as an “avoidable loss of life.”

Photos from the scene show the devastation, including wrapped bodies and scorched buildings.

SOKOTO: Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by any standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect: pic.twitter.com/dVdbTXcXew

— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) December 27, 2024

While the military insists the strikes were based on solid intelligence and targeted jihadists, this isn’t the first time civilian casualties have occurred during military operations in Nigeria.

The incident highlights the challenges of combating insurgents in regions where civilians often overlap with jihadist territories. It also comes on the heels of another accidental strike last year, which killed 85 people during a misidentified gathering.

North Korean Troops Face High Losses in Russia’s War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called out Russia for its brutal treatment of North Korean troops deployed in the Kursk region.

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy said Friday these soldiers are being sent into battle with little protection and suffering massive losses.

Worse, he claims they’re deliberately being left vulnerable, with some reportedly executed by their own forces to avoid being captured by Ukraine.

Around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to be in the region, but their survival seems to be a low priority for both Russian forces and their North Korean commanders.

“Modern warfare technology is not the only issue leading to large-scale deaths of North Koreans, according to @TheStudyofWar. [ISW] said North Korean soldiers were struggling to communicate and coordinate with Russian forces due to language barriers.” @RFERL pic.twitter.com/NR3RClZWAY

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 26, 2024

Zelenskyy shared that over 3,000 have already been killed or wounded, adding that the few who were captured by Ukraine were too severely injured to survive.

Zelenskyy urged Korea’s neighbors, particularly China, to step in and stop the needless loss of life, saying, “Koreans should not be dying in battles in Europe.” He called on China to pressure North Korea if it’s serious about preventing the war from escalating further.

China Unveils Stealth Jets in Bold New Designs

China is turning heads in the defense world with blurry images of two futuristic fighter jet designs that surfaced online this week.

The new aircraft has a sleek, tailless design—a feature that relies on advanced computer systems to stay stable—and shows off some serious stealth potential.

One of the jets, a diamond-shaped design with an unusual three-engine intake layout, has already been spotted flying over Chengdu.

🇨🇳✈️⚡ It appears China recently tested not one, but TWO 6th generation fighter jet prototypes. China’s 6th generation fighter jet also made its maiden flight. pic.twitter.com/Zx2Qo0i8oX

— OSINT Expert (@OsintExperts) December 26, 2024

Experts say these designs are bold and original, showing China’s willingness to push boundaries in military aviation.

While it’s hard to tell just how stealthy or fast these jets are without more details, the designs clearly hint at next-generation ambitions.

Comparisons have been drawn to the American sixth-generation fighter development program, but the Chinese jets are still shrouded in mystery—no official names, specs, or timelines have been shared.

The daytime test flights, visible over a bustling city, have raised eyebrows. Some speculate it’s a calculated move by China to showcase its advancements and send a message as global competition in military aviation heats up.

Meanwhile, China’s navy also made headlines this week by launching its newest amphibious assault ship.

JUST IN – China has launched the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, in the latest demonstration of how Beijing’s industrial capacity is strengthening its military power — FTpic.twitter.com/EHuEtfM7DC

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 27, 2024

Safe to say China’s military modernization isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Sources: News Agencies, Reuters