SOFREP Daily: Syrian Rebels Gain Momentum in Syria’s Civil War, Burkina Faso Military Junta Fires Prime Minister, Ukraine Unveils ‘Peklo’ Rocket-Drone

Good Morning! It’s December 7, and we’re bringing you the latest on defense and global affairs. Let’s get started with today’s key updates.

Daraa Falls: Rebels Gain Momentum in Syria’s Civil

Syrian rebels seized control of the southern city of Daraa on Saturday, the symbolic birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

This marks the fourth major city lost by Assad’s forces in a week, following a swift and coordinated rebel offensive.

Assad’s regime loses major city of Daraa in southwestern Syria

According to local media reports, government forces surrendered the city without a fight as part of an agreement ensuring the safe withdrawal of Assad’s army toward Damascus. Daraa is the administrative center of the… pic.twitter.com/ViK9xNHXMM

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 7, 2024

Videos from the city show celebratory gunfire and rebels mingling with residents.

The military reportedly agreed to withdraw under a deal for safe passage to Damascus.

Daraa’s fall underscores the growing pressure on Assad’s regime as rebels, including Islamist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advance toward Homs—a key city connecting Damascus to the Mediterranean coast.

🇸🇾Several uprisings have broken out simultaneously in Daraa province in southern Syria, which borders the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Local radicals, inspired by the victories of militants in Hama and Homs , captured several villages, took weapons and equipment from local… pic.twitter.com/c8CUIuCxky

— Intel Slava (@Intel_Slava) December 6, 2024

Capturing Homs could sever vital supply routes and further isolate Assad’s stronghold in Damascus.

Meanwhile, other setbacks include the fall of Aleppo, Hama, and Deir el-Zor, with US-backed Kurdish forces also making gains in the east.

The Assad regime’s allies, including Russia and Iran, are stretched thin, with reports of Tehran scaling back its presence in Syria.

Analysts suggest Assad’s government is in survival mode as rebels appear reinvigorated, fueled by the largest offensive since the civil war began 13 years ago.

Military Junta Fires Prime Minister, Reshuffles Government

Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has dismissed Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government, according to an official decree on Friday.

No reason was given for the move, but the outgoing premier had served since Traore’s coup in October 2022.

The government will remain functional until a new cabinet is formed.

Burkina Faso has been navigating political turmoil since a 2022 coup toppled President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, followed by Traore ousting Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba later that year.

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso’s president dismisses the prime minister and members of the government.

The decree, signed by Captain Ibrahim Traore, was read on national television. pic.twitter.com/2LQE7AxirE

— Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) December 7, 2024

The country has since aligned itself with Mali and Niger, forming the Alliance of Sahel States and breaking ties with France to strengthen its partnership with Russia.

Moscow has provided military instructors to assist Burkina Faso in its fight against jihadist violence, a crisis that has displaced two million people and claimed over 26,000 lives since 2015.

Germany Chancellor Seeks Common Ground with Trump on Ukraine Strategy

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his optimism on Friday about aligning with US President-elect Donald Trump on a unified strategy for Ukraine.

After a detailed phone call with Trump, Scholz emphasized in a press interview the importance of including the Ukrainian people in any decisions.

He also noted ongoing discussions between his team and Trump’s security advisers.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects he’ll find alignment with President-elect Donald Trump on how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, playing down concerns a shift in US leadership risks splitting Kyiv’s biggest backers https://t.co/ZLQRl8WSkb

— Bloomberg (@business) December 7, 2024

Ukraine is becoming a key topic in Germany’s political landscape, especially with February’s snap election looming after the collapse of Scholz’s coalition.

Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has called for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move Scholz opposes, citing concerns about escalating the conflict.

Despite the political tension, Scholz reinforced Germany’s commitment to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, sending a clear signal of support to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine Unveils ‘Peklo’ Rocket-Drone to Close Long-Range Strike Gap

Ukraine has unveiled Friday a new locally-made “rocket-drone” called Peklo (which translates to “hell” in Ukrainian), capable of flying 700 km (430 miles)—more than double the range of Western-supplied missiles.

This high-speed drone, handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces in a ceremony attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, highlights Kyiv’s efforts to strike deeper into Russia amid the ongoing war.

🇺🇦President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy has handed over the first batch of the latest Peklo missile drones to #Ukraine’s defence forces, with a range of up to 700 km. pic.twitter.com/gXI9pOCyLK

— ZMiST (@ZMiST_Ua) December 6, 2024

The drones, described as similar to cruise missiles, are over a meter long and feature small wings and tail fins.

While specific details like evidence of its range or speed remain undisclosed to avoid aiding Moscow, the announcement underscores Ukraine’s push to close the gap in long-range strike capabilities.

Previously reliant on propeller drones for deep strikes, Ukraine has been developing multiple missile systems to counter Russia’s extensive use of long-range weapons.

Challenges like global supply chain issues have slowed production, but the development marks a significant step in Ukraine’s defense strategy.

US Probes Spain for Blocking Arms Syria’s to Israel

The United States is investigating whether Spain has been blocking cargo ships carrying American weapons to Israel from docking in its ports.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) reportedly launched the probe after receiving reports that at least three vessels, including US-protected ships under the Maritime Security Program, were denied entry.

If proven, Spain could face hefty fines of up to $2.3 million per denied voyage.

The United States Federal Maritime Commission is investigating three incidents in which Spain refused port entry to ships reportedly carrying arms to Israel, two of which were US-flagged, the commission and media reported on Thursday.https://t.co/xiIex8GsJm

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) December 6, 2024

Spain’s policy appears to stem from its decision to stop arms shipments to Israel, citing a desire for peace in the Middle East.

Spanish officials previously confirmed denying docking rights to the Danish-flagged Marianne Danica in May, saying it was transporting weapons to Israel.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced this as part of a broader policy shift, stating Spain would no longer allow weapons shipments to Israel through its ports.

This decision aligns with Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2023 and its halting of defense exports to Israel the following October.

Yoon Apologizes Amid Uproar Over Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appears poised to survive an impeachment vote after lawmakers from his People Power Party boycotted Saturday’s session.

The motion, sparked by Yoon’s controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law earlier in the week, fell short of the required quorum for a valid vote.

Opposition lawmakers, angered by the boycott, accused the absentees of cowardice.

Yoon’s martial law declaration, meant to curb what he alleged were “anti-state activities” by the opposition, was met with widespread outrage and overturned within hours.

In a public apology, Yoon expressed regret for causing “anxiety and inconvenience” to citizens and acknowledged his responsibility for the chaos.

Despite his apology, pressure has mounted from opposition leaders, protesters, and even members of his own party, with calls for his resignation growing louder.

Adding to the turmoil, reports surfaced that Yoon had drafted an arrest list targeting opposition leaders and key figures, further intensifying the backlash.

While Yoon may dodge impeachment for now, his political future remains uncertain as allies and critics alike question his ability to govern effectively.

Sources: CNN, News Agencies, Reuters