SOFREP Morning Brief: Hezbollah Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Violations After New Strikes on Beirut, Massive Blackout Paralyzes Spain and Portugal

Good day! Here’s SOFREP’s morning brief for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, bringing you essential updates on defense and global affairs. Hezbollah accused Israel of breaking a ceasefire with new strikes on Beirut. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar will resign over failing to prevent the Hamas attack. Sudan’s RSF killed 30 in Omdurman. A US Navy jet and a tow tractor fell off the USS Truman during a Houthi attack. Putin declared a 72-hour Ukraine ceasefire; Kyiv dismissed it. A massive blackout hit Spain and Portugal, halting services. Japan’s PM visited the Philippines to boost defense ties amid China tensions.

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Hezbollah Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Violations After New Strikes on Beirut

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem on Monday urged the Lebanese government to act against continued Israeli air strikes, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement reached in November.

Qassem’s remarks followed an Israeli air strike Sunday on Beirut’s southern suburbs, the third such attack on the capital since the ceasefire began.

In a televised speech, Qassem stated that Hezbollah had fully complied with the ceasefire that ended 14 months of conflict, while accusing Israel of “relentless” and unjustified attacks. He called on Lebanese officials to pressure the United States, the ceasefire’s main sponsor, to rein in Israeli operations.

“Put pressure on America and make it understand that Lebanon cannot rise if the aggression doesn’t stop,” Qassem said, emphasizing the need for stability to serve US interests in Lebanon.

The Israeli military confirmed carrying out more than 50 air strikes in Lebanon this month, claiming they targeted threats from Hezbollah and accused the group of violating the ceasefire terms. Sunday’s strike reportedly targeted a precision-guided missile facility.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest Israeli attack, warning that it posed “real dangers to the security” of the region. Human rights groups have also criticized the Israeli strikes as violations of the truce.

Hezbollah launched its cross-border campaign against Israel following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Israel’s subsequent military response sparked widespread fighting across Lebanon.

Since the November ceasefire, Israeli strikes have killed at least 190 people and wounded 485 more in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese government. Hezbollah demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and the release of Lebanese detainees still held by Israel.

The situation remains highly volatile as both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire while regional tensions continue to escalate.

Israeli Internal Security Chief to Resign After Hamas Attack Failures

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar announced Monday that he will resign on June 15, acknowledging his agency’s failure to warn of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

Bar’s decision follows weeks of escalating tension with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had attempted to fire him last month amid a political firestorm.

Speaking at a memorial for fallen Shin Bet soldiers, Bar admitted, “All systems collapsed. The Shin Bet also failed to give a warning.” He emphasized that his resignation was intended to protect the agency’s independence amid mounting political interference.

Netanyahu’s move to dismiss Bar had sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing the prime minister of trying to derail a Shin Bet investigation into alleged ties between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar — a key mediator between Israel and Hamas. Israel’s Supreme Court froze Bar’s dismissal after legal challenges and urged a compromise.

In court filings, Bar accused Netanyahu of attempting to misuse the Shin Bet for political purposes, including spying on anti-government protesters and undermining Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial.

Netanyahu rejected the allegations, accusing Bar of spreading falsehoods and invoking claims of a “deep state” conspiracy.

Bar’s resignation comes as part of a broader shakeup of Israel’s security leadership following the October 7 attack.

Several senior military and defense figures have already stepped down or been dismissed. While Bar accepted responsibility for the Shin Bet’s operational failures, he also pointed to government policy failures in a March report, placing some blame on Netanyahu’s leadership.

Bar’s departure raises concerns about the political independence of the Shin Bet, with fears that Netanyahu will attempt to install a loyalist. Netanyahu’s earlier attempt to appoint a former navy commander to the post collapsed after revelations that the nominee had participated in anti-government protests.

Meanwhile, investigations into Qatar’s ties to Netanyahu’s circle remain ongoing. Although Netanyahu himself has not been directly implicated, the scandal adds to his mounting legal troubles as he continues to face trial on corruption charges.

Sudan’s Paramilitary Group Kills at Least 30 in Omdurman Attack

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 30 people and abducted dozens more during an assault Sunday on Salha, a southern district of Omdurman, Sudan’s second-largest city and twin to the capital, Khartoum.

The Resistance Committees activist group reported the attack, which marks the latest in a string of deadly RSF operations this month.

Footage circulating online shows men in RSF uniforms detaining dozens of half-dressed men in an open field, with bodies visible on the ground. Though the RSF did not deny the killings, it claimed the individuals in the video were not officially affiliated with its forces.

Independent group Sudan War Monitor geolocated the footage to within five kilometers (about 3.1 miles) of Omdurman Islamic University, in RSF-held territory.

Sudan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the massacre and called for the international community to designate the RSF as a terrorist organization, saying the group’s actions “reflect its contempt for human values.”

The Rapid Support Forces carried out a massacre in Salha, southern Omdurman, on Sunday, leaving more than 30 people dead. Multiple videos circulating online show RSF fighters executing unarmed victims, with some alleging that they were supporters of the military.

We have… pic.twitter.com/wpyHbrUko2

— Sudan War Monitor (@sudanwarmonitor) April 27, 2025

The Sudanese military has recently regained control over most of northern and western Omdurman, but the RSF maintains a foothold in the south. The broader conflict began in April 2023, when tensions between the military and RSF erupted into full-scale war across Sudan.

Since the war’s outbreak, more than 24,000 people have been killed and around 13 million displaced, including 4 million who fled to neighboring countries. Human rights monitors and the UN have documented atrocities including mass rapes, ethnically driven killings, and other war crimes — especially in Darfur.

Earlier this month, RSF and allied militias launched a major attack on the city of el-Fasher and nearby displacement camps in North Darfur, killing over 400 people, according to the United Nations.

USS Harry S. Truman Loses F/A-18E Super Hornet and Tow Tractor in Red Sea Mishap

The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet and a tow tractor overboard on Monday while operating in the Red Sea, the Navy confirmed in a statement.

The mishap occurred as the aircraft was being moved inside the carrier’s hangar bay; the towing crew lost control, prompting sailors to quickly clear the area before the jet fell into the sea.

A US official later confirmed that the Truman executed a hard turn to evade Houthi fire, contributing to the accident.

The loss marks the second Super Hornet the Truman has lost during its current deployment and the third major mishap aboard the carrier in recent months. Each F/A-18E is valued between $60 million and $70 million, depending on configuration.

This incident follows a December friendly fire event when the Navy cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) mistakenly shot down another Truman-assigned F/A-18, forcing the pilots to eject. One aviator suffered minor injuries.

In February, the Truman also collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, while navigating heavy maritime traffic near the Suez Canal. The collision led to the firing of the ship’s commanding officer and a repair port visit to Souda Bay, Crete.

The Harry S. Truman departed Naval Station Norfolk in September 2024 and has operated mainly in the Red Sea, conducting strike missions against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently extended the ship’s deployment by a month to bridge operations until the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

Since mid-March, US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently reported it has struck over 800 Houthi targets. CENTCOM continues to withhold operational details to preserve security. There is no current timeline for the Truman’s return to the United States.

The carrier also previously lost a Super Hornet in 2022 when heavy weather caused a jet to be blown overboard in the Mediterranean during a resupply operation.

Putin Declares 72-Hour Ceasefire in Ukraine as US Pushes for Broader Peace Deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, ordering a halt to hostilities from May 8–10.

The Kremlin said the move was made on “humanitarian grounds” to honor the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

The truce will begin at 2100 GMT (5 p.m. EDT) on May 7.

Ukraine quickly dismissed the announcement, reiterating its call for an immediate, full 30-day ceasefire as proposed by US President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the timing and sincerity of Russia’s offer, emphasizing the need for a lasting and comprehensive halt to the war.

The Kremlin warned it would respond “adequately and efficiently” to any Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire. Previous attempts at temporary truces, such as the 30-hour Easter ceasefire and a US-brokered 30-day halt on energy strikes, have repeatedly broken down with both sides trading accusations of violations.

On the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange drone and missile strikes just before the ceasefire announcement. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 119 Ukrainian drones overnight, mainly over the Bryansk region, while a Russian drone strike in Cherkasy, central Ukraine, disrupted gas supplies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that this week would be “very critical” in determining whether Washington would continue its diplomatic push to end the war.

Trump, despite expressing skepticism over Putin’s intentions, said a settlement appeared “close” over the weekend.

However, key obstacles remain. Ukraine has consistently rejected ceding territory in exchange for peace, even as the US and some European partners hint that territorial concessions may be necessary. Ukraine and the US have made progress on a separate critical minerals agreement, with assurances that US aid would not be factored into the deal.

NEW: Putin continues to refuse any ceasefire other than on terms that advantage his war effort. ⬇️(1/3)

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced another unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, this time in honor of a major Soviet and Russian military holiday, while continuing to… pic.twitter.com/CB3fNvN7wE

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 29, 2025

Russia’s invasion, now in its third year, has drawn international support from North Korea, Iran, and China, while Ukraine continues to rely heavily on aid from the US and Europe.

The situation remains fluid, with US, French, and Ukrainian officials agreeing to intensify talks aimed at achieving a durable ceasefire that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and aligns with European security interests.

Massive Blackout Paralyzes Spain and Portugal, Leaves Millions Stranded

A massive blackout swept across Spain and Portugal on Monday, halting train services, shutting down communications, and leaving millions without access to ATMs or internet services across the Iberian Peninsula.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the power grid lost 60% of its national demand — about 15 gigawatts — in just five seconds at 12:33 p.m. local time.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation, but Spanish and European officials have not ruled out a cyberattack, citing heightened concerns about potential sabotage amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Spanish power distributor Red Eléctrica called the event “exceptional and extraordinary.”

Nearly 92% of Spain’s power had been restored by early Tuesday morning, with full restoration expected by day’s end.

The blackout stranded approximately 35,000 train passengers, shut down subways in major cities, closed airports, and forced hospitals to switch to backup generators. Mobile phone networks and ATMs also failed, causing widespread disruption in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Authorities urged citizens to stay off the roads due to non-functioning traffic signals.

Spanish and Portuguese governments convened emergency meetings. Spain coordinated with Morocco and France to pull electricity from their grids while boosting domestic hydroelectric and thermal power generation. In Portugal, backup systems helped maintain critical services, though courts and electronic payment systems were impacted.

The Iberian Peninsula’s 60 million residents faced rare mass disruption, with civilians directing traffic, searching for generators, and improvising travel as public transportation collapsed. Spanish airports operated on backup power, and some flights were delayed or canceled.

Parliament in Madrid and public events, including the Madrid Open tennis tournament, were suspended.

This event follows a significant European infrastructure disruption in March when a fire crippled operations at London’s Heathrow Airport. European authorities now view Monday’s blackout as one of the most serious energy crises recorded in recent years.

Japanese Prime Minister Visits Philippines to Strengthen Security Ties Amid China Tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday to bolster security cooperation with Manila amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Ishiba’s two-day visit will include talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and a review of ongoing defense collaboration between the two allies and the US.

The leaders are expected to reaffirm a trilateral alliance with Washington and address China’s continued aggression in disputed maritime regions.

Discussions will also include Japan’s concerns over the economic fallout from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have impacted Japanese companies and regional partners like the Philippines and Vietnam.

Japanese and Philippine officials plan to launch negotiations this year on two key defense pacts: a logistical agreement to support Japanese forces operating in the Philippines, and an information security pact to protect classified military intelligence shared between the two countries. These initiatives build on a broader defense accord signed last year, currently awaiting ratification by Japan’s legislature.

EXERCISE BALIKATAN | Joint Forces Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in Recent Drills

Off the coast of Zambales, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), United States Armed Forces, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a Photo Exercise… pic.twitter.com/sBIdulRTUt

— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 27, 2025

Ahead of his trip, Ishiba criticized China’s “unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force” and called for stronger security ties in response to repeated confrontations involving Chinese Coast Guard, Navy, and suspected militia vessels against Philippine and Vietnamese ships.

In the East China Sea, Japan regularly scrambles jets in response to Chinese incursions near contested islands, while the US continues to warn Beijing over its aggressive maneuvers in both regions.

Ishiba will also address Japanese business concerns related to US tariffs during a meeting with company executives in Manila.

On Wednesday, Ishiba will visit a Japanese war memorial in Laguna province and board the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of two large Philippine coast guard ships built by Japan. The Magbanua has been involved in high-tension encounters with Chinese vessels, including damage sustained during a confrontation at the disputed Sabina Shoal.

Phl, Japan coast guards hold bilateral talks in Manila

WATCH: Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan welcomes Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Seguchi Yoshio at the PCG national headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. Officials from both… pic.twitter.com/RIb5LYKFh7

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) April 29, 2025

Japan has supplied 12 patrol ships to the Philippines and plans to deliver at least five more.

Tokyo has also provided radar systems and other defense equipment to support Manila’s maritime security efforts in the South China Sea.

Sources: News Agencies