SOFREP Daily: National Guard Readies for Election Day, NATO’s Commitment to Unity, Israel Targets Hezbollah’s Intel HQ

Catch up on the latest intel this Tuesday morning, November 5. Here are the key defense and global affairs updates to keep you in the know.

Guarding the Polls: National Guard Readies for Election Day

As we gear up for the US presidential election, hundreds of National Guardsmen from 18 states and DC are either activated or on standby. This comes in response to potential unrest as Americans head to the polls.

About 126 troops have been activated across states like Alabama, Arizona, and Wisconsin, with more on standby from places like Florida, Texas, and Nevada.

Many of the deployed service members are cyber specialists and civil support teams, with no current orders for military law enforcement involvement—though some are prepared just in case.

The election, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, is shaping up to be particularly contentious, with intelligence agencies cautioning against possible violence fueled by election fraud conspiracy theories.

Major General Pat Ryder from the Pentagon emphasized that these actions are standard practice, as the National Guard has a long history of working with local and federal agencies during major events like elections.

In Washington state, Governor Jay Inslee activated the National Guard due to recent incidents of vandalism targeting ballots.

Similarly, Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo announced that 60 Guardsmen would be stationed on standby in key locations.

In Washington, DC, Police Chief Pamela Smith is also ramping up security, with all officers on 12-hour shifts to ensure a strong presence around the city. They’re ready to call in extra help from nearby law enforcement if necessary.

The city is taking additional precautions, like increasing fencing around the White House and the vice president’s residence, and some local businesses have boarded up their windows just in case.

Road closures have been announced near Howard University for Vice President Harris’ election night event, and the Secret Service is enhancing security at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for former President Trump’s party.

NATO’s Commitment to Unity Regardless of US Election Results

NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte reassured allies Monday in Berlin that the alliance will remain united regardless of the US election outcome, stating, “whoever wins those elections, we will work with Kamala Harris, we will work with Donald Trump and make sure that the Alliance stays united.”

Rutte expressed confidence that the new US leadership will continue to back NATO because it’s crucial for American interests.

However, there are some concerns among Western allies about the future of the alliance if Trump wins. His past presidency raised eyebrows with his criticisms of NATO members over defense spending, and he hinted he might give Russia a free pass against countries that don’t contribute enough.

In contrast, Harris has emphasized her commitment to NATO, promising to collaborate with allies just like President Biden did.

Rutte also highlighted recent reports of North Korean troops in Russia, urging the need for heightened security efforts across both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. He noted that this situation underscores the importance of bolstering NATO’s collective defense.

On another front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently pitched his “Victory Plan” to join NATO. Rutte believes that current security agreements with Ukraine could pave the way for its future membership in the alliance.

North Korean Troops on the Move, Kursk Sees a Surge

The Pentagon reported Monday a significant increase in North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, with numbers jumping by about 2,000 to reach around 10,000.

Major General Ryder mentioned that the total could actually be between 11,000 to 12,000 across Russia, with at least 10,000 currently in Kursk.

Just last week, US officials had estimated the count at around 8,000, as Ukrainian forces continue their ground offensive in the area.

While Ryder noted that more North Korean troops may be sent to Kursk, he couldn’t confirm any reports about them engaging in combat just yet.

The growing military and political ties between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war in Ukraine have raised alarms internationally, particularly with concerns about the potential for Pyongyang’s troops to get involved in the conflict.

Israel Targets Hezbollah’s Intel HQ in Damascus

On Monday, Israel’s air force carried out a strike on the intelligence headquarters of Hezbollah’s Syrian branch in Damascus, marking a notable acknowledgment of military action against Syria.

This attack, which reportedly killed two people according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reflects Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah since tensions escalated with the group in Lebanon over a month ago.

The Israeli military stated that the operation targeted key Hezbollah intelligence facilities, aiming to weaken the group’s ability to gather and assess information.

The strikes specifically hit a house used by Hezbollah and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard near the Sayyeda Zeinab area, which is known for its Shiite sanctuary and is heavily protected by pro-Iran groups.

⚡️BREAKING:

Israel just bombed three areas on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria (Sayyeda Zeinab, the vicinity of the Damascus International Airport Hotel, the vicinity of Najha), resulting in numerous casualties.

Israel is actively bombing Palestine, Lebanon & Syria. pic.twitter.com/bDYEAXgDrD

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) November 4, 2024

Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the airstrike, claiming it hit civilian areas and caused substantial material damage, though it did not mention any casualties.

Witnesses described the blasts as powerful, with one resident noting the dramatic smoke that followed the explosions.

The attack came from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights and was part of Israel’s broader strategy to counter threats from Iranian-backed forces in the region.

Israel’s Military Draft Expands to Ultra-Orthodox Citizens

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Monday an additional 7,000 draft orders for members of the ultra-Orthodox community, who have historically been exempt from mandatory military service.

This decision comes in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that ended their long-standing exemption, which was originally intended for those dedicated to studying Jewish texts.

Gallant’s approval follows a previous round of 3,000 draft orders sent out in July, which sparked protests from the ultra-Orthodox community.

With Israel currently engaged in a multi-front war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the military is looking to boost troop numbers to meet operational needs.

In Israel, military service is compulsory for Jewish men for 32 months and for women for 24 months.

The ultra-Orthodox represent about 14 percent of Israel’s Jewish population, but approximately 66,000 young people in this group are currently exempt from service.

Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties, Israel has ramped up its military efforts, including ground operations in Lebanon, as tensions with Hezbollah escalate.

Chinese Carrier Steers into the Philippine Sea

China’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong made waves by sailing into the Philippine Sea with two escort ships, reportedly conducting flight operations on Monday. This marks the third time the Shandong has been in the area this year.

Meanwhile, Chinese naval activities have been buzzing around Japan’s southwestern islands, with Chinese ships and drones spotted frequently.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JSDF) confirmed that the Shandong and its escorts, including cruiser CNS Yan’an and destroyer CNS Zhanjiang, were operating about 447 miles (718 kilometers) south of Miyako Island.

The Shandong launched and recovered fighter jets and helicopters during the mission, while the Japanese destroyer JS Yugiri kept a close eye on the Chinese fleet.

This surge in activity follows China’s earlier dual-carrier drills and comes as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) gears up for more naval operations, especially with the Fujian carrier nearing its own sea trials.

In addition, recent reports indicate a Chinese TB-001 drone flew over the region, prompting Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force to scramble jets.