SOFREP Daily Rundown for Sunday, November 3. (Image grab via X)
Good Morning! Here’s your daily rundown on what’s going on in defense and global affairs to keep you up to speed this Sunday, November 3.
Israeli Naval Forces Target Hezbollah Leader on Lebanese Coast
Israeli forces have reportedly captured a senior Hezbollah operative in northern Lebanon, according to an Israeli military official on Saturday.
The operation took place near Batroun, with witnesses describing an armed group that arrived by sea, claiming to be state security.
Lebanese officials have confirmed, as noted by the Associated Press, the capture but are still investigating whether Israel was involved and if the captured man had links to Hezbollah.
In a statement, Hezbollah condemned the event as a “Zionist aggression,” without confirming whether one of its members was taken.
According to an independent Lebanese broadcasting station, Lebanon’s Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamie didn’t provide many details but mentioned that the captured individual is a sea captain who recently joined a maritime institute.
Witnesses recalled a tense scene as armed men took the captain, leading to shock and confusion among residents.
UN peacekeepers, often stationed along Lebanon’s coast, denied any involvement, calling the rumors dangerous and inaccurate.
Good Morning! Here’s your daily rundown on what’s going on in defense and global affairs to keep you up to speed this Sunday, November 3.
Israeli Naval Forces Target Hezbollah Leader on Lebanese Coast
Israeli forces have reportedly captured a senior Hezbollah operative in northern Lebanon, according to an Israeli military official on Saturday.
The operation took place near Batroun, with witnesses describing an armed group that arrived by sea, claiming to be state security.
Lebanese officials have confirmed, as noted by the Associated Press, the capture but are still investigating whether Israel was involved and if the captured man had links to Hezbollah.
In a statement, Hezbollah condemned the event as a “Zionist aggression,” without confirming whether one of its members was taken.
According to an independent Lebanese broadcasting station, Lebanon’s Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamie didn’t provide many details but mentioned that the captured individual is a sea captain who recently joined a maritime institute.
Witnesses recalled a tense scene as armed men took the captain, leading to shock and confusion among residents.
UN peacekeepers, often stationed along Lebanon’s coast, denied any involvement, calling the rumors dangerous and inaccurate.
“Disinformation and false rumors are irresponsible and put peacekeepers at risk,” said Kandice Ardiel, a UN peacekeeping force spokesperson deployed in south Lebanon.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Pledges Response to Attacks
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is promising a “crushing response” to recent attacks by Israel and its allies.
Following an October 26 strike on Iran that targeted key military sites, tensions have ramped up, with Iran’s allies—especially Hezbollah and Hamas—pressuring Tehran for a stronger show of support.
Khamenei’s warning comes as the US has boosted its military presence in the Middle East, deploying “additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadron and tanker aircraft, and several USAir Force B-52 long-range strike bombers” and personnel to deter any Iranian moves.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, are dealing with internal challenges. Economic hardships and protests at home add pressure on Tehran to tread carefully.
Khamenei’s speech coincided with the anniversary of a significant event in Iranian history—the 1979 US Embassy hostage crisis, a reminder of the deep-seated tensions between Tehran and Washington.
With the US election approaching, the Middle East stands on edge, waiting to see if Iran will follow through on its threats.
Iran Detains American Journalist, Adds Tension to US-Iran Relations
Iran has detained Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist who previously worked for US-funded Radio Farda, according to the US State Department on Sunday.
His imprisonment, confirmed to the Associated Press, comes as Iran marks the anniversary of the 1979 American Embassy takeover and amidst heightened threats from Tehran towards the US and Israel.
Valizadeh had shared online that he returned to Iran in March 2024 without security guarantees despite warnings.
Rumors of his detention have circulated, and reports suggest he now faces charges in Iran’s Revolutionary Court after being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison.
This case underscores Iran’s history of detaining dual nationals for political leverage, and the US is currently working through Swiss intermediaries to gather more information.
The incident recalls Iran’s practice of using detainees as bargaining chips, with Valizadeh being the first American known to be held since last year’s prisoner exchange.
Zelenskyy’s Urgent Plea: ‘Don’t Just Watch, Help Us Strike Back’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing Western allies to move from “watching” to action as reports surface of North Korean troops nearing the Ukrainian battlefield.
Zelenskyy suggested a preemptive strike on training camps for these North Korean forces but needed Western approval to use long-range weapons that could reach targets deep within Russia.
“But instead … America is watching, Britain is watching, Germany is watching. Everyone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start attacking Ukrainians as well,” Zelenskyy stated in a Telegram post late Friday.
The Biden administration recently confirmed that around 8,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia, near Ukraine’s border, poised to support Kremlin forces.
Zelenskyy’s call highlights the escalating urgency for international intervention, especially with North Korea’s involvement potentially impacting not just Europe but the wider Indo-Pacific region as well.
Kyiv Endures Another Night of Strikes
Russia launched Saturday a fresh wave of attacks on Ukraine Friday, targeting Kharkiv, Kherson, and Kyiv with missiles and Iranian-made drones.
Ukraine reported a tough night as Russian drones targeted Kyiv and several other regions, causing casualties and widespread damage.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, saying they proved the need for stronger pressure on Russia.
The constant terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities prove that the pressure on Russia and its accomplices is insufficient. Since 4 a.m. today, air raid alerts have been ongoing across Ukrainian cities.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 2, 2024
Despite the relentless assault, Ukraine’s Air Force managed to shoot down 39 out of 71 drones.
Unfortunately, debris from the downed drones hit various neighborhoods, damaging homes, apartments, and cars and sparking fires in Kyiv.
In the Kyiv region, an elderly woman was reportedly injured by shrapnel, and in Kherson, artillery fire left one woman dead and injured several others, including children. Additionally, a hospital in Kherson was damaged, but thankfully, there were no casualties.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military is bracing for what officials call one of the strongest Russian offensives since the start of the invasion, with Commander Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledging the challenging situation on the ground.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Go High-Tech with Russian Satellites
Niger has partnered with Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, in a deal reportedly signed Friday to acquire three satellites, aiming to strengthen security across the Sahel, a region plagued by jihadist violence.
The deal includes a communications satellite, a radar satellite, and a remote-sensing satellite, set to be manufactured in Russia over the next four years.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Glavkosmos will loan similar equipment to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—three nations under military rule that recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after distancing themselves from France and leaning toward Russia.
The satellites will give these countries the ability to handle their own communications and surveillance independently.
This partnership highlights the region’s shift toward Russian support, which has broader implications for Africa’s growing interest in space collaborations.
Chinese Military Drills Ramp Up Near Taiwan Ahead of US Election
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, flew near the island on Sunday, marking the second consecutive day of such activity.
These aircraft headed south towards the Pacific for training exercises, part of China’s ongoing show of force aimed at reinforcing its claim over Taiwan.
The US, committed by law to help Taiwan defend itself, recently announced a $2 billion missile system sale to the island, a move that has angered Beijing.
Tensions remain high, as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te continues to assert that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future, despite China labeling him a “separatist.” This uptick in military drills comes just days before the US presidential election, adding further intensity to the situation.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.