SOFREP Daily: US Brokers Israel-Hezbollah Truce, Ukraine Seeks South Korea’s Weapons, White House Osprey Grounded in NYC

Good morning! Dive into your daily briefing on the latest in defense and global affairs for this Wednesday, November 27.

US Brokers Israel-Hezbollah Truce, Violence Pauses

A US- and France-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday, marking a rare diplomatic breakthrough after over a year of devastating conflict in the region.

The deal ends cross-border fighting that began during the Gaza war last year, with Israel set to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days.

🔴 🇮🇱 🇱🇧 A 60-day #truce in the fighting between #Israel and #Hezbollah in #Lebanon is on the table, says FRANCE 24’s correspondent in #Jerusalem @NTarnopolsky, but what that truce might look like is still unclear.

She gave us an update on the situation earlier ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/L8bwPw3QoN

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) November 26, 2024

Lebanon’s army is stepping in to ensure Hezbollah doesn’t rebuild its border infrastructure.

President Joe Biden called the ceasefire a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” while both sides remain cautious about violations.

Displaced Lebanese families are eager yet hesitant to return home due to ongoing safety concerns, with villages left in ruins.

In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, the conflict reached a fever pitch as Israel intensified its airstrikes across Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting what the military described as Hezbollah’s financial and operational infrastructure.

Health authorities in Lebanon reported at least 18 people killed during these final strikes, with the death toll including both civilians and individuals tied to Hezbollah’s operations.

Key targets reportedly included a money-exchange office linked to Hezbollah and other logistical hubs.

The airstrikes left significant damage in Beirut, where neighborhoods were rocked by explosions, and hospitals struggled to manage casualties.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah retaliated with a barrage of rockets fired into northern Israel, signaling their defiance even as the ceasefire loomed.

For many on both sides of the border, the escalation underscored the high human and material cost of the conflict, raising doubts about how lasting the newly brokered peace might be.

Russia Surges Forward in Ukraine, Taking Key Ground

Russian forces are making their fastest moves in Ukraine since the early days of the invasion, claiming a chunk of land half the size of London in just the past month.

After years of mostly static front lines, the fighting has heated up with smaller-scale advances kicking off this summer.

Analysts recently noted this could mark the war’s most dangerous phase, with reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russians and Ukraine using Western-supplied missiles to strike Russian targets.

Ukrainian forces recently regained lost positions near Kreminna, and Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka. https://t.co/23xUg5nRlv pic.twitter.com/GcXRTquUEI

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 27, 2024

In November alone, Russia captured around 600 square kilometers (232 sq miles), breaking records for 2024, according to independent sources.

The Kremlin’s troops are focusing heavily on the Donetsk region, where they’re using artillery and glide bombs to encircle and attack Ukrainian defenses.

While Russia’s Defense Ministry reported more gains in Kharkiv, Ukraine has been pushing back, repelling attacks on Kupiansk and clearing Russian forces from villages like Kopanky.

President Vladimir Putin seems confident, touting the effectiveness of his forces and sticking to his vague promises of achieving Russia’s objectives.

On the other side, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy points to delays in Western aid and equipment as a major hurdle for Ukraine’s military, now stretched thin in its toughest battles of the year.

Last night, Russia attacked Ukraine, launching a record number of strike drones—188—against our people. I want to thank our defenders of the sky for repelling the attack. Around 80 drones were shot down, and more than 90 were lost due to location disruption.

Unfortunately, there… pic.twitter.com/o701zePjHd

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 26, 2024

Both sides are dealing with staggering casualties, and the fighting has left large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in ruins.

The coming months could bring even more intense clashes as Russia pushes for control over strategic areas.

Ukraine Seeks South Korea’s Weapons to Counter Russia

Ukraine’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, is in South Korea this week, reportedly asking for weapons to support Kyiv’s fight against Russia.

While the visit hasn’t been officially confirmed, media outlets suggest the delegation is meeting with top South Korean officials, including President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Ukraine is particularly interested in artillery and advanced air defense systems, which are urgently needed to counter intensifying Russian attacks on infrastructure.

So far, South Korea has avoided sending lethal aid, focusing instead on non-lethal support like demining equipment.

However, with Ukraine pushing harder for military assistance and Russia reportedly getting help from North Korea, Seoul might be rethinking its stance.

Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Umerov, will reportedly travel to South Korea to request the provision of country’s weapons on Nov. 27, — South China Morning Post

According to the publication, he will bring with him a “wish list” that includes missiles for air defense and… pic.twitter.com/f2NL5cBvJn

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) November 26, 2024

South Korea’s foreign minister recently hinted that the country is keeping all options open, depending on how deeply North Korea involves itself in aiding Russia.

As one of the world’s top arms producers, South Korea is facing growing pressure from Western allies and Ukraine to step up its role in the conflict.

For now, all eyes are on whether Seoul will make a historic pivot and start providing lethal aid.

US Hits Iranian-Aligned Group’s Weapons Facility in Syria

The US military struck back at an Iranian-aligned group in Syria on Tuesday, targeting a weapons storage facility.

This was in response to an attack on American forces the day before.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the goal of the strike was to disrupt the group’s ability to plan and carry out future attacks against US and Coalition forces working on counter-ISIS operations.

CENTCOM also noted that no civilian casualties were reported in their assessment.

CENTCOM Forces Strike Iranian Aligned Target in Syria in Response to Attack on U.S. Personnel pic.twitter.com/w7bbBnLhD8

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 26, 2024

The US has about 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, supporting an international coalition fighting ISIS since 2014.

However, the region’s tensions have flared since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023, with pro-Iran groups repeatedly targeting US forces in retaliation for Washington’s support for Israel.

This latest strike is part of a broader pattern of the US responding to such provocations with measured retaliation against Iranian-backed groups.

White House Osprey Grounds Staff Over Safety Concern

A Marine Corps Osprey used to transport White House staff, and officials had to make an unscheduled stop in New York on Monday after flames were spotted under its right engine.

The passengers, traveling as part of President Biden’s “Friendsgiving” event with the Coast Guard, were transferred to another Osprey to continue their trip.

The issue caused only a minor delay for Biden’s return to Washington later that evening.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the troubled V-22 Osprey fleet.

Earlier the same day, several lawmakers called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to re-ground the entire fleet until its persistent safety and design flaws are addressed.

This comes after an AP investigation highlighted over 21 major accidents tied to the aircraft’s design and operational risks.

White House Press Pool lifts off in an MV-22 Osprey belonging to HMX-1 for a trip with @POTUS to Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/6r3d8g2QHW

— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) October 29, 2024

The Osprey, which combines helicopter and airplane capabilities, has a history of reliability issues.

A journalist traveling with the president reported seeing flames before the aircraft was grounded.

This isn’t the first time safety concerns disrupted travel—another Osprey carrying White House staff was grounded last year after hearing loud “pops” and seeing smoke.

Despite the concerns, Osprey pilots are reluctant to see the aircraft benched, citing its unique versatility.

However, lawmakers argue that safety must take priority, especially after several deadly incidents, including a crash in Japan last year that killed eight service members.

While fixes are reportedly in the works, it remains to be seen if the Osprey can shake its troubled reputation.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister’s Party Halts Protests After Midnight Raid

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has hit the pause button on its protests, demanding his release after a dramatic midnight raid in Islamabad.

According to local news reports on Wednesday, security forces swept through the capital under the cover of darkness, arresting hundreds of people and scattering the demonstrators with tear gas.

At least six people, including four paramilitary officers, lost their lives in the clashes.

یا اللہ اس شخص کی ادھوری دعا قبول فرما آمین
pic.twitter.com/IfgVi3lofm

— Imran Khan (@ImranRiazKhan) November 27, 2024

The protests, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, had made it all the way to Islamabad’s heavily fortified red zone before the crackdown.

By Wednesday morning, the streets were cleared, with workers cleaning up debris and burned-out vehicles from the chaos.

PTI says it’s regrouping to figure out its next steps.

Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is turning up the heat on Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, with the prosecutor announcing plans on Wednesday to seek an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity.

The charges stem from the alleged persecution and mass deportation of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority, during a military campaign that forced over 730,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.

A panel of ICC judges will now decide if there’s enough evidence to issue the warrant, a process that usually takes a few months.

This marks the first time the ICC has targeted a high-ranking official in Myanmar’s government, and more arrest warrants are reportedly in the works.

#ICC Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC announces an application for a warrant of arrest for Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the #Myanmar Defence Services https://t.co/OyQHr9q29r pic.twitter.com/rJQJDUrXiT

— Int’l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) November 27, 2024

Myanmar’s military has consistently denied accusations of genocide, claiming their operations were aimed at terrorists, not civilians.

However, United Nations investigators believe the campaign was carried out with “genocidal intent.”

While Myanmar isn’t an ICC member, the court is exercising jurisdiction due to cross-border crimes involving Bangladesh, an ICC member state.

It’s a big step in seeking accountability, but for now, it’s up to the judges to decide if Min Aung Hlaing will be formally charged.

Source: AP News, AFP News, Reuters