SOFREP Daily: Ukraine Launches Biggest Drone Strike, North Korea’s GPS Manipulation, US Strikes Houthi Weapon Storage

Catch up on the latest intel roundup: Important defense and global affairs updates to keep you savvy this Sunday, November 10.

Trump and Russia Open Talks on Ending the War in Ukraine

Russia has expressed interest in hearing President-elect Donald Trump’s ideas for ending the war, with signals being exchanged through “closed channels.”

This comes as a Russian drone attack killed one person and injured 13 in Odesa, Ukraine, while European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell visited Kyiv to reaffirm Europe’s support for Ukraine.

Russia and the US have been reportedly exchanging signals about Ukraine through private channels, though it’s unclear whether the communication is with the current US administration or Trump’s incoming team.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia is willing to listen to Trump’s proposals on resolving the conflict as long as the ideas focus on peace rather than further aid to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine is open to working with the incoming Trump administration, citing previous positive conversations with Trump.

“Remember that President Zelenskyy was one of the first world leaders to greet President Trump,” Sybiha said, adding that discussions have already begun on establishing communication between teams for further cooperation.

Today was filled with meetings and briefings in Kyiv, where Ukraine’s position was clearly represented.

The developing of the European policy for the coming period must be a joint, coordinated effort that directly strengthens our partnerships in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic… pic.twitter.com/R9fcg0ut6k

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Russia continues its aerial assault, including drone attacks on Ukrainian cities like Odesa and Kharkiv.

Despite ongoing Russian aggression, the US involvement under the new administration remains uncertain, especially with Trump’s past criticisms of American aid to Ukraine and his positive remarks about Putin.

Ukraine Launches Biggest Drone Strike on Moscow

Ukraine launched its biggest drone strike on Moscow since the war began, sending 34 drones into the Russian capital.

The attack on Sunday caused flights to be diverted from major Moscow airports and injured at least one person.

Meanwhile, Russian air defenses took down another 36 drones across Western Russia. Moscow quickly accused Ukraine of attempting a terrorist attack, but the strike had minimal impact on the city.

“An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using an airplane-type drones on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted,” said Russia’s defense ministry.

Russia retaliated with its own drone assault, launching a record 145 drones overnight, most of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses.

This latest wave of drone warfare highlights the growing role of drones on both sides. While Moscow has developed extensive air defenses, including electronic “umbrellas” to shield key targets, Kyiv continues to target Russian infrastructure.

Aftermath of UAV attack in Moscow region.

Earlier, authorities claimed that all drones had been “shot down.” pic.twitter.com/uPJISxUFe9

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 10, 2024

Life in Moscow appeared unaffected, regardless, with locals going about their day as usual.

North Korea Hits South Korea with GPS Manipulation

North Korea continued its disruptive tactics on Saturday, manipulating Global Positioning System (GPS) signals along its western border, causing disruptions to flights and vessels in the region.

This marked the second consecutive day of such interference, highlighting growing tensions between the two Koreas.

North Korea’s provocations come as Kim Jong Un accelerates his nuclear and missile programs and engages in unconventional warfare, including flying balloons carrying anti-South Korean propaganda.

The South Korean military has warned North Korea to stop these provocations, as the GPS disruptions could jeopardize aviation safety, especially near the critical Incheon International Airport.

South Korea also expressed concerns about the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, fearing it could enhance the threat from Kim’s nuclear program.

Fortunately, the direct impact on air travel has so far been minimal, though the risks remain high.

US Strikes Houthi Weapon Storage in Yemen

On Saturday night, US warplanes launched multiple strikes on weapons storage facilities in Yemen, which were controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

These facilities were reportedly used to store weapons targeting ships navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Houthi-run Al Masirah network reported explosions in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, during the raids. This is part of a broader ongoing effort by the US and Britain to retaliate against Houthi attacks on maritime traffic, which have disrupted global shipping routes and caused casualties.

The Houthis say their attacks are aimed at vessels tied to Israel and are a form of support for Palestinians amid the Gaza war.

The Pentagon announced that American military aircraft carried out a series of airstrikes on weapon storage facilities in Yemen belonging to Houthi forces on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/aZgXgOV53Q

— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 10, 2024

This latest strike comes just days after the Houthi leader criticized US President-elect Trump for his support of Israel.

Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Strongholds, At Least 33 Dead

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s east and south on Saturday left at least 33 dead, with many others wounded.

The strikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds, hitting the Baalbek-Hermel area and the southern region, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.

Rescue operations in the aftermath of the attacks led to more casualties, with at least 13 killed, including rescuers tied to Hezbollah and Amal.

In addition, an Israeli airstrike in the city of Nabatiyeh wounded 12 people.

The violence follows escalating tensions after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with over 3,110 killed in Lebanon, most since late September.

Pakistani Separatists Strike Railway Station, Killing 26

A bombing claimed by Pakistani separatists killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers, at a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan, on Saturday.

The blast occurred as passengers were waiting for their trains, injuring many others.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, targeting a Pakistani army unit.

The explosion is one of the deadliest attacks in the region, which often sees violence due to separatist tensions and resentment over the exploitation of local resources.

BREAKING:

At least 26 killed and 62 injured in suicide bombing at railway station in Quetta, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/62CZQOrYit

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 9, 2024

The blast has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, a resource-rich but poor province.

China Denies Philippine Claims in South China Sea, Threatens Action

China has firmly rejected new maritime laws signed by the Philippines on Sunday, saying they violate Beijing’s territorial rights in the South China Sea.

The laws aimed at reinforcing Philippine sovereignty set new sea lanes and air routes, which were signed on Friday, but China claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its own.

“China firmly opposes this and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” China’s foreign ministry said, cited from Reuters.

The dispute centers on areas also claimed by the Philippines and other countries. Beijing has long rejected a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that disputed its claims.

Tensions are high, with both sides accusing each other of encroachment and illegal activity in the contested waters.