SOFREP Daily: M23 Rebels Clash with Congolese Army, Islamist Rebels Seize Hama, Pakistan Former PM Warns of Civil Disobedience Movement

It’s Friday, December 6! Grab your coffee and settle in for today’s defense and global affairs update. Here are the stories making waves.

M23 Rebels Clash with Congolese Army Despite Ceasefire

Fighting has ramped up in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR) between the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by Angola in August.

The M23, claiming to protect ethnic Tutsis, has been on the offensive again, nearly encircling Goma and threatening the key commercial hub of Butembo.

According to recent reports, both sides accuse each other of reigniting the clashes, with reinforcements being sent to the front lines, raising fears of further escalation.

The conflict has displaced thousands, with many fleeing to safer areas like Kitsambiro.

M23 rebels and Congolese army clash in Lubero territory #DemocraticRepublicofCongo #OSINT #GEOINT https://t.co/srfpdw3ZGu

— Geopolitical Report (@GeoPioneerInc) December 4, 2024

While the DRC and Rwanda maintain diplomatic dialogue through Angola’s mediation, the violence highlights the fragile nature of the truce.

Talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi are scheduled for December 15 in Luanda.

Islamist Rebels Seize Hama as Syrian Conflict Heats Up

In a significant development, Islamist-led rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured Thursday the Syrian city of Hama, delivering a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.

This comes shortly after the rebels seized Aleppo, Syria’s commercial hub.

Following intense clashes, rebels announced their victory on Telegram, with footage showing celebratory gunfire and residents destroying symbols of Assad’s rule.

The loss of Hama, strategically located between Aleppo and Damascus, marks a severe setback for Assad, whose forces called their retreat a “temporary tactical measure.”

Observers warn the rebels may now target Homs, leading to a mass exodus of civilians, particularly from Assad’s Alawite minority.

NEW: Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS)-aligned opposition groups have begun a campaign to capture Homs after capturing Hama City on December 5. Syrian opposition groups are using negotiated settlements with localities to rapidly seize territory without fighting. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/p5HIRydfwA

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 6, 2024

The fighting, which has reignited Syria’s long-dormant conflict, has resulted in over 800 deaths in just over a week.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani framed the offensive as a response to historical oppression but called for restraint.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising about potential civilian abuses amid the intensifying violence.

Hamas, Israel Restart Negotiations to End Gaza Conflict

Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel have reportedly restarted Thursday, with Qatar resuming its role as mediator alongside Egypt and the US.

The talks aim to end the 14-month conflict, secure the release of hostages in Gaza, and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

While no solid proposal is on the table yet, Hamas officials express optimism about reaching a deal, provided Israel shows willingness to compromise.

The proposed ceasefire would likely unfold in phases, including a temporary halt in fighting, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and long-term reconstruction efforts.

However, disagreements remain over the permanence of the truce and Israel’s plans for a military presence in Gaza.

Egypt presented an Israeli-proposed ceasefire-hostage deal to Hamas on December 2.

Secretary General Naim Qassem said on December 5 that Hezbollah is committed to “sheltering and rebuilding” in Lebanon and abiding by the ceasefire deal with Israel. https://t.co/svjlrdezKF pic.twitter.com/u1Gz0CvdEb

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 6, 2024

Both sides continue to hold firm on key demands, but Hamas indicates some flexibility in the timeline for troop withdrawal.

This comes amid mounting casualties on both sides and a shift in regional dynamics, including US President-elect Donald Trump’s call for hostages to be released before he takes office, warning of severe consequences if they are not.

Pakistan Former PM Demands Probe, Warns of Civil Disobedience Movement

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister, has called for a rally in Peshawar on December 13, threatening a civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met.

According to Reuters, Khan demanded a judicial probe into the deaths of 12 supporters during a November protest march and violence from May 2022, along with the release of detained political workers.

Khan also warned that if his demands were ignored, the government would bear responsibility for the consequences when the movement began on December 14.

🚨🇵🇰IMRAN KHAN THREATENS TO START A CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT

He called for his supporters to converge on Dec. 13 in the northwestern city of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which is ruled by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for further protests.… pic.twitter.com/Er7jshDG8P

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 6, 2024

The government denied any deaths during the recent protests and accused Khan’s supporters of attacking military sites last year.

Khan, who was indicted for those incidents earlier this week, claimed the charges were politically motivated to sideline him. The military denied any involvement in his removal from office.

Russian Ship Fires Flare at German Helicopter in Baltic Sea

Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, expressed concern over a recent Baltic Sea incident where a Russian cargo ship fired a signal flare at a German military helicopter.

While no one was harmed, Thursday’s incident is being viewed as another example of Cold War-style provocations amidst heightened tensions due to the Ukraine war.

Pistorius noted similar past occurrences of Russian vessels firing warning shots but praised German and Allied forces for their calm and measured responses.

This flare-up adds to growing worries about Russian “hybrid warfare” tactics, including recent sabotage of undersea data cables in the Baltic, which Germany suspects may involve foreign vessels.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also hinted at the helicopter incident, reinforcing concerns about regional stability.

Violent Extremists Target Children on Social Media: Agencies

Security agencies from the Five Eyes alliance — including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — are sounding the alarm about the growing number of children and young people being radicalized online by violent extremists.

A joint report released Thursday highlights how minors are being targeted through social media, gaming platforms, and online communities, often normalizing violent behavior in the process.

Australia reported that 20 percent of its top counter-terrorism cases involve minors, with every terrorism-related case this year involving a young person.

Young people are being radicalised more quickly – as discussed in the first public report by #FiveEyes security & law enforcement agencies. Read Five Eyes case studies at https://t.co/rNOUVHa8qv@AusFedPolice pic.twitter.com/TCUNxb4DcM

— ASIO (@ASIOGovAu) December 5, 2024

The study warns parents and caregivers to monitor kids’ online activities and look out for signs of radicalization, as intervention often comes too late.

Social isolation makes children particularly vulnerable, and extremist grooming is increasingly hidden in platforms like TikTok, Discord, and Instagram.

“Around twenty per cent of ASIO’s priority counter-terrorism cases involve young people. In every one of the terrorist attacks, disruptions and suspected terrorist incidents in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person,” said Mike Burgess, the Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), in a statement. “As a parent, the numbers are shocking. As an intelligence officer, the numbers are sobering.”

A British case involving a schoolchild found with pro-ISIS content highlights the urgency of addressing this issue early.

Experts are urging a “whole of society” approach to tackle this troubling trend.

“[E]very single one of us has a role to play in the collective response we need to reduce that threat,” the joint statement read.

You can check out the full report here.

South Korea Grapples with Fallout from Yoon’s Martial Law Move

South Korea continues to be in political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly imposed martial law earlier this week, sparking backlash even within his own party.

Yoon’s declaration, aimed at tackling “anti-state forces,” was revoked just six hours later following strong opposition from parliament, including members of his People Power Party (PPP).

Calls for his removal grew, with opposition lawmakers pushing for impeachment and staging round-the-clock rotations in parliament to prevent another martial law declaration.

Yoon stayed out of the public eye following the incident, fueling speculation about his next move.

The leaders of South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties have called for the suspension of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s powers after his attempt to impose martial law. pic.twitter.com/BTpso9W6y2

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 6, 2024

Meanwhile, investigations into the martial law order began, with defense officials coming under scrutiny and military commanders being suspended.

Critics, including PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, warned that Yoon’s actions had placed the nation in “great danger.”

His approval rating plummeted to 13 percent, leaving many questioning his leadership.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Probe Uncovers Chilling Leads

The investigation into the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues, with police piecing together clues about the masked gunman who ambushed him in midtown Manhattan.

The attack, which occurred as Thompson walked to an investor meeting, appears to have been a targeted hit.

Investigators are examining surveillance footage, testing evidence for DNA, and following leads, including the suspect’s potential travel from Atlanta and his stay at a Manhattan hostel.

The shooter’s ammunition featured the words “deny, defend, depose,” echoing a phrase used by critics of the insurance industry, fueling speculation about the motive.

Surveillance shows the killer approaching Thompson, firing a silenced weapon, and fleeing on a bicycle.

Thompson, who led the country’s largest health insurer, had reportedly received threats, possibly related to insurance disputes.

With no arrests yet, the investigation is focusing on tracking the suspect and uncovering the motive behind this brazen attack.

Raytheon Preps New Tech for US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet

Raytheon has recently wrapped up a key design review for its Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) system, which is set to modernize the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet’s electronic warfare capabilities.

The $80 million project aims to replace older systems like the AN/ALQ-214 and AN/ALR-67(V)3 with advanced threat detection and electronic attack tech to keep pace with modern adversaries.

📰 NEWS: Raytheon completes the Delta Design Review ahead of schedule for its Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype for the @USNavy‘s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

Details: https://t.co/zTy4ZwiGHI pic.twitter.com/7T6BCuGZ1y

— RTX (@RTX_News) December 4, 2024

With a focus on integrating cutting-edge features and streamlining production, Raytheon is now moving into the testing phase to ensure compatibility with Open Mission Systems standards.

The company’s approach promises not only stronger defense capabilities but also lower costs and faster deployment for the US Navy’s Super Hornet fleet.

Sources: News Agencies, Reuters, State Agencies, RTX News Center