SOFREP Daily: US Hits Houthis in Expanding Air Campaign, Sweden Launches Shelter Overhaul to Boost Defense

Midweek momentum: It’s Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Here’s what you need to know in defense and global affairs.

US Hits Houthis in Expanding Air Campaign

Suspected US airstrikes continue to target Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, with at least four killed near Hodeida and over 65 total casualties since the campaign began.

Under President Donald Trump, the air campaign—tied to both Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and pressure on Iran’s nuclear program—has now reached over 200 strikes, including some aimed at high-ranking rebel figures, though no names have been confirmed.

The Houthis claim to have shot down another American MQ-9 drone and continue launching attacks against US warships, particularly the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

CENTCOM Forces continue attacks on Houthi Positions…#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/NiONzwUEA7

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 1, 2025

The US has escalated its response, sending reinforcements such as B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, possibly preparing for strikes beyond Yemen.

The bombings began on March 15 and are more aggressive than previous operations, expanding from launch site targets to urban areas and Houthi personnel.

The Houthis’ maritime attacks, including on vessels they associate with Israel, have disrupted international shipping and raised tensions across the region.

Israel Strikes Beirut, Kills Hezbollah Official

Israel launched a deadly airstrike on a residential building in Beirut’s southern suburbs early Tuesday, killing at least four people, including a Hezbollah official and his son.

The strike, directed by Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence agency, allegedly targeted a Hezbollah member said to be assisting Hamas in planning attacks on Israeli civilians.

The strike follows another Israeli attack on Beirut days earlier, the first since the November ceasefire with Hezbollah. This time, there was no warning, unlike the previous strike.

Hezbollah denies the targeted official was involved in attack planning and says he lived openly without taking precautions.

❗️🇮🇱⚔️🇱🇧🇵🇸 – The Israeli Air Force conducted a precise airstrike on a high-rise apartment building in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb, demolishing it without prior evacuation notice.

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet jointly announced that the strike targeted a senior Hezbollah… pic.twitter.com/REM7VazUqt

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) April 1, 2025

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of national sovereignty.

Hezbollah, while stating it does not seek war, said it is fully prepared to defend itself if attacked further.

The incident has further raised tensions in a region already on edge, with Israel continuing strikes in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire that had called for withdrawal and de-escalation.

Sweden Launches Shelter Overhaul to Boost Defense

Sweden has launched a major civil defense initiative, investing 100 million krona (about $10 million) to inspect and modernize its 64,000 civil defense shelters, which can house roughly seven million people.

The move comes amid rising security concerns following Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March 2024 and increased regional instability.

The Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is leading the effort, which includes shelter renovations, upgrades to protective filters, and strengthening the country’s emergency response, cybersecurity, and medical stockpiles.

#Sweden, where authorities have warned that the country should prepare for the risk of war, has announced a $10-million investment to check and renovate its civil defense shelters.https://t.co/T21k4OIOKE

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) April 1, 2025

Sweden has reactivated its “total defense” strategy—blending civilian and military readiness—after years of reduced military spending, especially following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and other recent hybrid threats.

Finland Drops Treaty to Bolster Border Defense

Finland announced plans to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, citing growing security threats from Russia.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the deteriorating security landscape in Europe demands enhanced deterrence and defense measures.

The move follows similar steps taken by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—NATO members on Russia’s border—who are also re-evaluating their commitments to the treaty.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, shares a long border with Russia and has increased defense spending and border security since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

While acknowledging the humanitarian concerns surrounding landmines, Finnish officials argue that national security must come first, especially when neighboring a country that, they say, ignores international agreements.

Withdrawal from the treaty must be approved by Finland’s parliament and would take effect six months afterward.

Finland also announced plans to raise defense spending to three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029 and undertake military reforms to better address emerging threats.

Greece Upgrades Arsenal to Counter New Threats

Greece is preparing to unveil a sweeping military modernization plan, investing 26 billion euros ($28 billion) by 2036 to upgrade its armed forces.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will present the plan to parliament, with a focus on a new anti-aircraft and missile defense system dubbed “Achilles’s Shield.”

The move comes amid heightened European defense spending in response to regional instability and concerns about long-term U.S. security commitments.

Greece already spends over three percent of its GDP on defense—one of the highest rates in NATO—driven by historical tensions with Turkey and proximity to conflict zones in the Middle East.

The modernization includes negotiations with Israel and European allies to acquire drones, unmanned vessels, radar systems, and anti-drone defenses.

The overhaul follows years of delayed military investment due to Greece’s financial crisis.

Greece Unveils €25 Billion Defense Plan Through 2037

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a €25 billion defense spending plan extending to 2037, outlining a 12-year strategy to enhance the country’s military capabilities.

Recent acquisitions by Greece include 24… pic.twitter.com/L77WSPweR2

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 2, 2025

Recent deals include Rafale jets and frigates from France, F-35s from the US, and a commitment to revamp Greece’s defense industry.

Experts say the plan reflects both necessity and strategic ambition as Greece positions itself as a key security player on Europe’s southeastern border.

Trump Pursues Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Stalled Negotiations

Efforts by President Donald Trump to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remain stalled, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who emphasized the importance of continued European support for Ukraine.

Despite Trump’s insistence that negotiations are progressing, Russia has resisted key proposals, including a 30-day ceasefire and partial maritime truce in the Black Sea.

Trump expressed frustration at both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian president of hesitating over a mineral resources deal with the US.

While China praised the ongoing talks and highlighted improved US-Russia relations, Moscow remains noncommittal, seeking additional concessions.

NEW: Russian forces are reportedly continuing to shell Ukrainian energy infrastructure amid ongoing negotiations over details of the ceasefire agreement on energy infrastructure strikes, indicating that Russia may be exploiting the ceasefire’s vague or unfinalized terms to strike… pic.twitter.com/2FhEpkWpE6

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 1, 2025

Fighting continues on both sides, with Russia and Ukraine launching drone strikes on energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has accused Russia of violating a ceasefire agreement targeting such facilities and continues to share evidence with the US, hoping for increased sanctions.

Zelenskyy also announced an upcoming closed-door meeting with foreign military partners to discuss the potential deployment of international troops as part of future security guarantees.

Meanwhile, Putin continues receiving support from North Korea, Iran, and China, the latter calling for a fair, binding peace acceptable to all parties.

Trump Gains Support Despite War Frustrations

A new Associated Press (AP)-NORC poll reveals that while most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it hasn’t significantly damaged his public standing—largely due to strong support from his Republican base.

Around 80 percent of Republicans approve of his approach, in stark contrast to the lukewarm support former President Joe Biden received from his own party before exiting the 2024 race.

Trump’s foreign policy—marked by reduced support for Ukraine, increased pressure on allies, and calls for swift ceasefires in both Gaza and Ukraine—has been well received by many Republicans. However, some Trump voters are frustrated by his failure to fulfill promises of quickly ending the conflicts.

Republicans are increasingly supportive of US-led ceasefire negotiations, though there is less appetite for continued military aid to Ukraine.

Some want a more limited global role for the US, preferring a focus on domestic issues over foreign entanglements.

Trump’s Joint Chiefs Chairman Nominee Faces Senators, Vows Apolitical Leadership

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, President Trump’s nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, defended his unconventional nomination during a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, citing the need for unconventional leadership amid unprecedented global threats.

Caine emphasized his commitment to being nonpartisan, apolitical, and transparent in advising the president, while distancing himself from recent controversies, including the use of a Signal chat for sharing military plans.

Caine rejected claims that he ever wore a MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) hat, contradicting a story told by Trump, and affirmed his loyalty to the Constitution over politics.

He addressed questions on military involvement in domestic law enforcement and affirmed his respect for legal boundaries such as the Posse Comitatus Act.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine delivers remarks before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

“We can never forget that our number one job is to create peace through overwhelming strength, and if need be, fight and… pic.twitter.com/fzcjgWftul

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 1, 2025

Caine also condemned the leak-prone Signal chat used by top Trump officials to discuss Yemen airstrike plans, saying the military should avoid political entanglements and preserve operational secrecy.

Though lacking the traditional credentials for the role, Caine’s nomination could proceed with a waiver.

He is a decorated F-16 pilot with deep experience in special operations, classified programs, and intelligence work.

If confirmed, Caine would return to active duty and be promoted to a four-star general, serving as Trump’s top military advisor.

US Approves Jet Sale to Support Philippines

The US has approved a potential $5.58 billion sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to the Philippines, reinforcing its support for the treaty ally amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The proposed deal aims to boost the Philippine Air Force’s defense capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance and air defense operations.

While the Philippine government has yet to confirm receiving official notification, it has long shown interest in acquiring F-16s.

.@StateDept 🇺🇸 authorizes a Foreign Military Sales #FMS case for 🇵🇭 #Philippines to purchase F-16 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion. #FMSUpdate – https://t.co/a2BW36jSQD pic.twitter.com/tpQyXwsYM8

— Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) April 1, 2025

The move follows increasingly assertive actions by Beijing in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

Philippine military leaders have warned that any conflict involving Taiwan would likely draw in the Philippines due to geographic proximity. US-Philippine military cooperation has deepened under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including plans to acquire a US missile system and increased joint exercises.

US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have emphasized strengthening deterrence against China and reaffirming Washington’s defense commitments in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources: News Agencies