SOFREP Morning Brief: US to Withdraw 600 Troops from Syria, Russian Drone Strike Kills Three in Dnipro

SOFREP Morning Brief – Friday, April 18, 2025. Here’s what you need to know: The US is pulling 600 troops from Syria, keeping under 1,000 to continue counter-ISIS operations in the region. Lebanon arrested suspects behind recent rocket attacks on Israel. The US Army gave soldiers until April 21 to reenlist or lose bonuses and job perks. A Russian drone strike killed three in Dnipro; Ukraine pushed for more air defense and finalized a US mineral deal. Zelenskyy asked Trump for 10 Patriot systems. Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed diplomatic talks, shifting away from India.

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US to Withdraw 600 Troops from Syria, Maintain Under 1000 to Counter ISIS

The United States will withdraw approximately 600 troops from Syria, reducing its military presence in the region to fewer than 1,000 personnel.

This move, confirmed by a US official speaking anonymously on Thursday, aims to restore troop levels to those maintained before the regional escalation in late 2023.

US forces have played a dual role in Syria—supporting Kurdish allies in ongoing operations against the Islamic State (IS) and acting as a buffer against Turkish aggression. Turkey views the Kurdish fighters as terrorists due to their ties with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).

Recent reports suggested the reported US drawdown in Syria will decrease US forces to no less than 1000, roughly the same amount of US forces present in Syria before the recent increase in 2024.

The US maintained roughly 900 US personnel in Syria between 2019 and 2024 when the… pic.twitter.com/y4YGXIyDdc

— Critical Threats (@criticalthreats) April 17, 2025

The reduction follows a surge in troop levels after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which led to increased threats from Iranian-backed militias across the region.

In January 2024, a drone strike by one such group killed three US soldiers in Jordan.

While President Donald Trump previously attempted a full withdrawal from Syria, he faced pushback from the Pentagon, citing concerns over abandoning Kurdish allies and enabling IS resurgence. The current drawdown reflects a strategic recalibration rather than a full exit.

Despite the return of many displaced Syrians after President Bashar Assad fled the country in December 2024, Syria remains unstable.

US is reducing its troop presence in Syria from 2,000 to 1,400, closing three of its eight bases in the Arab country’s northeast, NYT reports
🔗 https://t.co/tQfASoeq25 pic.twitter.com/fBvmjsukCw

— TRT World (@trtworld) April 17, 2025

Israeli airstrikes on weapons facilities, resurgent IS activity, and ongoing threats from Iranian proxies underscore the continued volatility in the region.

The New York Times first reported the planned withdrawal.

Lebanese Army Detains Suspects Linked to Rocket Fire into Israel

The Lebanese military has detained individuals tied to rocket attacks launched into Israel in late March. Among those arrested are several Palestinians allegedly involved in two separate rocket attacks that prompted Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah denied responsibility for the rocket fire at the time.

The Lebanese Army said in a released statement late Wednesday that it confiscated a vehicle and other equipment used in the attacks. The suspects have been referred to judicial authorities following raids across multiple regions. No further details on the operations were disclosed.

Security sources told the Associated Press that four Palestinians affiliated with Hamas are under interrogation. A Hamas official confirmed recent detentions of members in Lebanon, but claimed they were unrelated to the rocket attacks and involved in other minor offenses, such as carrying an unlicensed weapon.

Two recent accomplishments by the #Lebanese government as it asserts its authority: the @LebarmyOfficial apprehended those responsible for launching rockets against Israel last month, arrested two, and is pursuing another four. The army also located some 260 #Hezbollah facilities… pic.twitter.com/gWHXTM8NLI

— American Task Force on Lebanon (@ATFLebanon) April 17, 2025

The rocket attacks occurred amid heightened tensions following the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in late November 2024, which ended a 14-month conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah violations and the need to prevent rearmament.

According to the Lebanese Information Minister, Israeli strikes have killed 190 people and injured 485 in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect.

The United Nations reported that at least 71 of those killed were civilians, including 14 women and nine children.

Israel maintains that its military actions are in response to Hezbollah’s ceasefire breaches and ongoing threats near the border.

US Army Gives Troops Days to Reenlist or Lose Bonuses and Assignment Options

The US Army has given soldiers just days to decide on reenlistment if they want to retain access to bonuses, preferred assignments, or other incentives, according to internal documents reviewed by Military.com.

In its report released Thursday, it said that troops with contracts expiring before September 30 must reenlist by Monday, April 21, 2025, to qualify.

After the deadline, reenlisting soldiers will be limited to “Option 1” contracts, which offer no guarantees for job roles or duty station preferences and place them fully at the Army’s discretion.

While it’s common for reenlistment perks to tighten once the Army hits retention goals, the short notice has sparked criticism. Many soldiers said they only heard of the policy through social media or unofficial channels, with the Army issuing a formal statement just days ahead of the cutoff.

Some noncommissioned officers reported learning about the change only after Military.com reached out for comment.

Army to Soldiers: Reenlist by Monday if You Want to Claim Incentives https://t.co/PleAby3diT

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) April 17, 2025

The Army declined to confirm whether it had met its retention goals or how many soldiers have reenlisted so far this year. Historically, the service hits its targets by mid-fiscal year.

Incentives for early reenlistment include bonuses, access to professional military education, and the ability to remain at the current duty station for up to two years—an attractive option for soldiers with family or spousal career commitments.

The reenlistment directive follows a pattern of abrupt policy shifts from the Army’s personnel office, which previously issued a last-minute order in November sending hundreds of NCOs to recruiting school—a move later reversed amid backlash.

While retention policies tighten, the Army has made progress on recruitment, aided by the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps applicants meet academic and fitness standards before basic training.

The Army’s recruitment challenges in recent years have largely stemmed from high rates of obesity and low entrance exam scores among eligible youth.

Florida State University Shooter Kills 2, Injures 6 With Deputy Mother’s Former Service Weapon

A 20-year-old gunman, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday using his mother’s former service handgun, killing two men and injuring at least six others.

Authorities say Ikner, believed to be an FSU student and longtime member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office youth advisory council, used a weapon kept by his mother, an 18-year veteran deputy.

Tallahassee police officers quickly responded, shooting and wounding Ikner after he ignored commands. He was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have not disclosed a motive.

The shooting began near the student union around midday, triggering panic across campus.

Eyewitnesses reported Ikner first attempted to use a shotgun, which jammed, before switching to the handgun and opening fire. Victims were hit inside and around the union building. Of the six injured, five were shot and one was hurt while fleeing.

The victims who died were not students, university police said. Their identities have not been released. Authorities confirmed there is no evidence anyone was shot with the shotgun.

Students and visitors scrambled for cover—some hiding in a bowling alley, others in a service elevator—as emergency alerts blared across campus. Officers secured the scene, and dozens of police vehicles remained parked outside the union for hours after the shooting.

President Donald Trump called the attack “horrible” but ruled out new gun legislation, stating, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.”

“It’s horrible that things like this take place”: President Donald Trump says he’s been “fully briefed” on the active shooter situation at Florida State University.

More: https://t.co/I7gpTiZFqw pic.twitter.com/GFE42Oq8hl

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) April 17, 2025

FSU President Richard McCullough expressed heartbreak and support for the victims.

FSU canceled all classes and home athletic events through the weekend. This marks the second major shooting on campus in the past decade; in 2014, a gunman opened fire in the university library, wounding three before police killed him.

Russian Drone Strike Kills Three in Dnipro as Ukraine Pushes for Air Defense Aid, Mineral Deal

Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Dnipro, killing three civilians, including a child, and injuring 30 others, according to Ukrainian officials on Thursday.

The late Wednesday strike caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, a gymnasium, a dormitory, and an educational facility. Fires broke out across the city as emergency responders worked through the night.

The attack is the latest in a series of intensified Russian strikes as US-led efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv continue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by urging international partners to provide more air defense systems, calling current support “literally protecting lives.”

In Paris, a Ukrainian delegation met with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other members of a proposed “coalition of the willing,” which aims to offer long-term security guarantees post-ceasefire. Meetings with US officials are also on the agenda.

2/ Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk.

Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Velyka Novosilka and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 17, 2025:… pic.twitter.com/ouFEhweZse

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 18, 2025

Separately, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine and the US are preparing to sign a memorandum of intent for a long-delayed mineral resources agreement.

The deal, which had stalled in February following tense talks in Washington, is intended to grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast mineral reserves.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal’s framework is intact, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the signing could occur around April 25.

3/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the United States and Ukraine are making progress towards signing a bilateral mineral deal.

European countries continue to increase their domestic defense production, including in support of Ukraine. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Dbvgatg2Sm

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy accused China of supplying Russia with military materials, including gunpowder and artillery, and claimed some Chinese nationals are involved in weapons production within Russian territory.

Ukraine expects to release documentation supporting the allegations next week.

SOFREP could not independently verify the claims.

On the military front, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 49 over the Kursk region. Kyiv reportedly took control of a strip of land in that area during a surprise offensive in August 2024. Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched five missiles and 75 drones overnight; 25 were shot down, and another 30 jammed.

Важка ніч була в Дніпрі – удар російських дронів. По звичайних будинках, по звичайній цивільній інфраструктурі. Триває розбір завалів. Зараз у лікарнях міста 16 людей, загалом 28 людей постраждали, зокрема чотири дитини. Усім надається допомога. На жаль, три людини були вбиті цим… pic.twitter.com/5pfTS5nrmv

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2025

Ukraine Seeks to Buy 10 US-made Patriot Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this week that Ukraine wants to purchase at least 10 Patriot missile defense systems from the US to continue defending its motherland against ongoing Russian aerial attacks.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he made the request during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, who responded that the US would “work on it.”

Zelenskyy noted, “So far, I have no other information.”

Kyiv has consistently urged Western allies to increase air defense support amid daily Russian missile and drone strikes. The US-supplied Patriot system is currently the most expensive weapon Ukraine has received.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates a single system costs approximately $1.1 billion — $400 million for the launcher and $690 million for the interceptor missiles.

Bangladesh, Pakistan Resume Diplomatic Talks After 15 Years as Dhaka Shifts Away from India

Foreign ministry officials from Bangladesh and Pakistan held high-level talks in Dhaka on Thursday, marking the first formal diplomatic consultation between the two nations in 15 years.

The meeting comes amid shifting regional alignments under Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took power after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August following a student-led uprising.

Under Hasina, Bangladesh fostered close ties with India, but relations have since deteriorated.

India has refused Yunus’ request to extradite Hasina, who is reportedly sheltering in India, and recently halted visas for Bangladeshis except in medical emergencies.

India also revoked a key transshipment facility, dealing a blow to Bangladesh’s $39 billion garment export industry by increasing shipping costs to key markets such as the European Union, Nepal, and Myanmar.

In contrast, Yunus has moved to strengthen ties with Pakistan, India’s regional rival. Bangladesh has resumed direct trade with Pakistan, participated in a Pakistani-led naval exercise, and sent a military delegation to meet Pakistan’s army leadership. Direct flights between the two countries are expected to resume, and visa processes have been relaxed.

Pakistan and Bangladesh hold bilateral political consultations in Dhaka

First BPC being held between the 2 countries in 13 years#Pakistan #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/7XWYM31XZt

— WION (@WIONews) April 17, 2025

During Thursday’s talks, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin raised unresolved historical issues with his Pakistani counterpart, including a formal apology and $4.52 billion in compensation for alleged atrocities committed by Pakistani troops during the 1971 War of Independence.

Pakistan has denied the accusations and never issued an official apology.

Uddin stated that resolving these issues is essential for a stable relationship. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, and other sectors.

In a separate meeting, Yunus emphasized the need to overcome hurdles and “boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials.”

The last bilateral consultation occurred in 2010 under Hasina’s government. Both sides acknowledged the need to rebuild ties and unlock the economic potential of a renewed relationship.

Sources: News Agencies