SOFREP Daily: Israel Buys F-15 Jets, South Korea Talks Weapons for Ukraine, Zelensky Rejects Concessions to Russia

Here’s the latest scoop: Top insights on defense and global affairs for your Friday, November 8.

Israel Signs $5.2 Billion Deal for Next-Gen F-15 Jets

Israel’s defense ministry announced Thursday that it had inked a $5.2 billion deal with Boeing to acquire 25 state-of-the-art F-15 fighter jets funded by US military aid.

The agreement also includes an option for an additional 25 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031, coming in batches of four to six jets each year.

These F-15IA jets will boast advanced weapons systems, integrating cutting-edge Israeli technologies to enhance their capabilities.

According to the ministry, the upgraded aircraft will have improved range, payload capacity, and performance across various operational scenarios.

Since the outbreak of the conflict with Hamas, Israel has secured nearly $40 billion in arms purchase agreements.

Defense ministry director-general Eyal Zamir emphasized the balance between meeting immediate needs for advanced weaponry and investing in long-term strategic capabilities.

This new F-15 squadron, along with a previously procured third squadron of F-35 jets, significantly boosts Israel’s air power and strategic reach, which has been crucial in their ongoing military actions.

The Israeli air force has been actively targeting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon since last October, following an unprecedented attack from Hamas on southern Israel.

Additionally, Israel has launched strikes against Iranian targets after missiles were fired at its territory.

South Korea Talks Weapons for Ukraine, Prepares for Trump Meeting

South Korea is keeping its options open about possibly supplying weapons to Ukraine, according to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s comments on Thursday.

This marks a potential shift in South Korea’s long-standing policy of not arming countries in conflict, especially as North Korea has stepped up its involvement in the war by sending troops to support Russia.

Yoon mentioned that depending on how deeply North Korea engages in the conflict, South Korea may adjust its support strategy accordingly.

He indicated that if they do decide to provide weapons, the focus would initially be on defensive capabilities.

This comes amid accusations that North Korea has been supplying artillery and missiles to Russia, and intelligence reports suggest that about 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia.

In addition to discussions about Ukraine, Yoon also revealed he had a conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, where they touched on North Korea and agreed to meet soon.

The two leaders discussed various provocations from the North, including missile tests and the recent launch of trash-carrying balloons into South Korean airspace.

Compared to his predecessor, Yoon has adopted a firmer approach toward North Korea while strengthening ties with the US.

As Trump prepares to return to office, analysts suggest that North Korea might hold back on major provocations, potentially opening the door for renewed dialogue between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Zelensky Rejects Concessions to Russia at European Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear on Thursday that making concessions to Russia is not an option for Europe as they seek to halt the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at a summit in Hungary, he criticized some European leaders for pushing Ukraine to give in to President Vladimir Putin’s demands, stating that such actions would only encourage further aggression from the Kremlin.

“And some of those present here strongly advocated that Ukraine should make ‘concessions’ to Putin. This is unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for the entire Europe. So what’s next? Should Europe hope for Kim Jong Un’s sympathy that he will also leave Europe alone? No strong leader who has helped build a united, strong and peaceful Europe could even imagine that.”
—said Zelensky, quoted from Ukrainska Pravda

Zelensky emphasized the need for more weapons rather than diplomatic talks, saying, “Hugs with Putin won’t help.”

He highlighted that some leaders have been overly friendly with Putin for years, but the situation has only worsened.

The summit, hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has been marked by criticism of Western support for Ukraine.

He also urged European and American leaders to maintain strong ties in light of Donald Trump’s recent election victory.

I addressed the European Political Community summit held in Budapest, emphasizing that the concept of ‘peace through strength’ has proven itself and is needed now. Showing weakness or selling out Europe’s positions won’t buy a just peace. Peace is the reward only for the strong. pic.twitter.com/0ZXrBqIqln

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 7, 2024

Zelensky expressed hope that a stronger America would be beneficial for both Europe and the US, emphasizing the importance of ally connections.

Zelensky warned that North Korea is effectively waging war in Europe, referencing reports that North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

Bombing Kills Four Officers in Pakistan

A roadside bomb detonated near a security forces’ vehicle in northwestern Pakistan, tragically killing four officers and injuring five others, officials reported Thursday.

The blast occurred in South Waziristan, a region that’s been facing increasing violence since the Afghan Taliban took control next door in 2021.

Although no group has claimed responsibility, the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) has been ramping up attacks in the area.

In response to the bombing, Pakistan’s military confirmed the deaths and stated they retaliated by killing five TTP fighters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his “grief and sorrow” and reiterated the government’s commitment to fight against terrorism until it’s fully eradicated.

On 6 November 2024, fire exchange took place between the Security Forces and Khwarij in general area Karama , South Waziristan District.

Resultantly, five Khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops.

However, during the intense fire exchange, four brave… pic.twitter.com/kRZshQT5Mg

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) November 7, 2024

In a separate incident on the same day, a mortar attack in the Tirah Valley killed two schoolchildren on their way to school, highlighting the ongoing violence that has plagued the country.

The TTP has been intensifying its campaign to topple the government and enforce its strict interpretation of Islam, especially after breaking a ceasefire last year.

Reports indicate a significant rise in violence, with nearly 800 armed attacks recorded in the first ten months of 2024 alone, resulting in over 950 deaths.

In diplomatic news, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to discuss security concerns following an incident involving two injured Chinese nationals in Karachi.

Naqvi also reassured Zaidong that enhancing security measures for China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects is a top priority and vowed to bring those responsible for the incident to justice.

The two leaders agreed to work together to prevent similar incidents and strengthen their growing friendship and cooperation.

Chad Launches Air Strikes Against Boko Haram

Chad’s military struck back Thursday against Boko Haram with air strikes that reportedly left “many dead and wounded,” according to President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

Speaking from the Lake Chad region, Deby, dressed in military fatigues, shared that he personally led the counter-attack against the jihadist group, which had targeted Chadian forces in a previous assault that killed about 40 people.

The Chadian government is determined to “obliterate” Boko Haram after the group’s recent raid on a military garrison.

The goal of this operation is not just to protect civilians but also to completely dismantle Boko Haram’s capabilities.

Opération Haskanite : Le président de la République, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, a ordonné des frappes aériennes et la poursuite du pilonnage des positions des éléments de Boko Haram dans la province du Lac #Tchad pic.twitter.com/G7lsFy8Cl4

— N’Djaména Actu (@ActuDjamena) November 1, 2024

The Lake Chad area, known for its tricky waterways and islets, provides a refuge for jihadists like Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), which continue to threaten local communities.

Since 2015, Chad and its neighboring countries—Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon—have been collaborating in a multinational effort with around 8,500 troops to combat these extremist groups.

Boko Haram’s insurgency, which began in Nigeria in 2009, has led to over 40,000 deaths and has since spread to nearby nations, making the fight against it increasingly vital.

Ethiopia Blames Oromo Liberation Army for Deadly Attack

Ethiopia’s human rights watchdog announced Thursday it’s looking into the tragic killing of 48 people in the troubled Oromia region, blaming armed rebels for the violence.

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which the Ethiopian government classifies as a terrorist group, is said to be behind the ambush that took place last week in the North Shewa district, just west of the capital.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reported that among the dead was a district official, and the regional head of the EHRC noted that the situation in the area remains “very volatile at the moment.”

There were also reports of several kidnappings, although the exact number is unclear.

On November 2, 2024, in the Ada’aa Bargaa district of West Shewa, OLA forces launched a targeted assault that resulted in 190 regime soldiers killed, 150 wounded, and 45 taken as prisoners of war.

The operation followed a detailed reconnaissance of the district, focusing on… pic.twitter.com/ThBGDZEJu2

— Oromo Liberation Army OLF-OLA (@OLF_OLA) November 3, 2024

Oromia, the most populous region in Ethiopia, has been experiencing unrest since 2018, with the OLA leading an insurgency while peace talks have failed to make any real headway.

The area is plagued by a mix of political tensions, land disputes, and ethnic conflicts.

While the OLA is accused of carrying out massacres, they deny these claims, and the government faces criticism for its harsh crackdowns that only fuel resentment among the Oromo people.

Although the OLA has grown in strength since 2018, observers suggest it lacks the organization and firepower to truly threaten the government.

Despite the end of the violent two-year conflict in Tigray last November, Ethiopia is still facing various ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Amhara region.

Colombia, ELN Agree to Restart Peace Talks

The Colombian government and the left-wing insurgent group National Liberation Army (also known as the “ELN”) have announced they’ll be resuming their peace talks in Venezuela, according to a joint statement made on Thursday.

These negotiations are set to take place from November 19 to 25, following a two-month break after President Gustavo Petro paused discussions in response to an ELN attack that resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to 28 others.

The ELN, which is currently the largest active armed group in Colombia, is seeking to reignite the peace process after the government previously struck a deal with the much larger FARC rebel group in 2017.

In a recent statement on X, the ELN expressed its commitment to peace and suggested a new negotiating model that would help verify that both sides uphold any agreements made during the talks.

COMUNICADO CONJUNTO Nº 29
Algunas conclusiones: retomar una visión común de paz sustentada en el Acuerdo de México suscrito en marzo de 2023 y fortalecer esta Mesa como
única instancia de negociación y decisión. Coincidimos en la urgencia de avanzar hacia descongelar la Mesa#ELN pic.twitter.com/Nbso2sB3GF

— Delegación ELN (@DelegacionEln) November 7, 2024

Petro’s administration is also looking to address the possibility of reactivating a ceasefire during these upcoming discussions. While the initial peace deal with FARC aimed to end decades of conflict, splinter groups and the ELN have continued to resist similar efforts.

After Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president in 2022, he initiated peace talks with these groups, although the ELN opted not to extend a ceasefire that had been in place since earlier this year.