SOFREP Daily: Ukraine Hits Russian Gas Sites and Factories in Drone Barrage, China Sends Military Delegation to Japan in Rare Exchange

Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and we’re back with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what’s making headlines today.

Russia Captures Ukrainian Mining Village Near Pokrovsk

Russia announced on Monday that its forces have captured the village of Pishchane, a mining area about five miles southwest of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

This marks a significant move in Moscow’s months-long push toward the key hub of Pokrovsk.

The village is home to a vital coal mine that previously accounted for half of Ukraine’s coal extraction for steelmaking giant Metinvest.

2/ Russian forces likely intend to interdict Ukrainian ground lines of communications (GLOCs) into Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in order to force Ukrainian units to withdraw from the towns in future months.

Details in tonight’s campaign assessment: https://t.co/dzIsp5RUl9 pic.twitter.com/OJUXJQtE8H

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) January 13, 2025

Operations at the mine were halted, and personnel evacuated last month due to the ongoing conflict.

Russian forces have been advancing on Pokrovsk since the summer, and their latest gains highlight the strategic focus on disrupting Ukraine’s industrial and energy resources.

Ukraine Hits Russian Gas Sites and Factories in Drone Barrage

Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russia early Tuesday, targeting gas storage sites, industrial facilities, and military infrastructure far from the front lines.

Fires broke out at a gas storage facility in Tatarstan, while industrial sites in Saratov were also damaged.

In response, schools in Saratov and Engels shifted to online classes, and at least nine Russian airports temporarily halted operations.

The strikes, which hit cities like Kazan, Engels, and Bryansk, are part of Ukraine’s strategy of retaliating against Russian military and energy sites.

❗️The most massive attack of the Armed Forces of 🇺🇦Ukraine on the territory of 🇷🇺Russia in 2025 took place at night.

Drones attacked Alexyn of the Tula region, Oryol, Rostov, Voronezh and Oryol regions of the Russian Federation. Restrictions were introduced at the airports of… pic.twitter.com/rENRvhM4LO

— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) January 14, 2025

Ukrainian officials called the barrage one of the most effective attacks yet, dealing “painful strikes” to Russia’s military-industrial and energy sectors.

This escalation comes just ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with both sides ramping up efforts to strengthen their positions before potential peace talks.

Trump has vowed to end the nearly three-year conflict within 24 hours, raising concerns in Ukraine about possible territorial compromises.

Germany Probes Drone Sightings Near Eurofighter Facility

German authorities are investigating several suspicious drone sightings over military facilities in Bavaria, raising concerns about potential espionage amid heightened tensions due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Drones were spotted multiple times over secured zones at a military aerodrome in Manching—where Eurofighter jets are developed—and a nearby airbase in Neuburg an der Donau.

The incidents occurred between mid-December and Christmas Day, with police launching helicopter patrols to track the drones. However, the operators remain unidentified.

Ten drones were detected last night flying over the Manching Air Base in Germany, one of the most important maintenance centers for Eurofighter Typhoons, marking the 3rd time this happened in less the a month with virtually no reaction from the German Government or Military. pic.twitter.com/NviLHaMDOz

— Daractenus (@Daractenus) January 13, 2025

Authorities are treating the cases as possible breaches of security laws, with fears the drones may be part of a spying operation targeting Germany’s defense installations.

This isn’t the first time drones have caused trouble in the area—earlier this year, a Eurofighter was damaged during a landing collision with a drone at Manching.

Similar incidents near other strategic sites in Germany have added to concerns about foreign surveillance, particularly linked to Russia and China.

North Korea Fires Missiles, Sends Message to Trump Administration

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Tuesday, a move analysts see as a potential message to President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

The launch coincided with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya’s visit to South Korea, as the two nations sought to strengthen ties ahead of Trump’s return to office.

Seoul’s military reported the missiles were launched from North Korea’s Ganggye area, flying 155 miles before landing in the sea.

South Korea and the US had detected the preparations in advance and are maintaining heightened alert.

Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok condemned the launch, labeling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and pledging a stronger response in coordination with the US.

Experts suggest the test may be intended to assert pressure on the US or take advantage of South Korea’s internal political turmoil, as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment trial.

This is Pyongyang’s second test this year, following last week’s hypersonic missile launch, which North Korea claimed was a demonstration of its growing military capabilities.

🇰🇵 North Korea fires short-range missiles

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea’s military said.

The missiles travelled about 250 km after lifting off at around 09:30 am from Kanggye, Jagang Province, near the… pic.twitter.com/BnsBB6Yf0c

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) January 14, 2025

China Sends Military Delegation to Japan in Rare Exchange

Japan and China are making efforts to improve their tense relationship, with a Chinese military delegation visiting Japan for the first time in five years.

Members of the Eastern Theater Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are meeting with Japanese military counterparts and defense officials from Monday to Friday.

This rare exchange, organized after a November meeting between the two nations’ defense ministers, aims to foster trust and mutual understanding.

President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

China and Japan are next-door neighbors and both are important to Asia and the world.

China is ready to work with Japan to follow the principles and direction set by the four China-Japan political documents,… pic.twitter.com/KCHWTSqHRF

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) November 15, 2024

Both sides see this as a step toward building constructive relations and enhancing regional stability. Japan’s government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, emphasized the importance of open communication at the commanders’ level, while the PLA echoed similar sentiments.

This visit comes amidst broader efforts to ease tensions, with high-level diplomatic meetings and a possible state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping on the horizon.

The two nations have long been at odds over territorial and historical issues, but these recent engagements hint at a potential thaw in their relationship.

Drones Hit Sudan’s Hydroelectric Dam, Cutting Power Across Major Cities

A drone attack blamed on Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit the Merowe Dam, a key hydroelectric facility in northern Sudan, causing widespread power outages, including in the government’s base in Port Sudan.

The Sudanese army accused the RSF of targeting critical infrastructure as part of a “systematic campaign” amidst their ongoing war, which began in April 2023.

The Merowe Dam, one of Sudan’s main sources of hydroelectric power, supplies electricity to major cities like Port Sudan, Atbara, Dongola, and Omdurman.

A series of drone attacks, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted the Merowe Dam power station in northern Sudan on Monday, causing widespread power outages across several states.https://t.co/Li8svz9t2w pic.twitter.com/GfjtzuHLvt

— Sudan Tribune (@SudanTribune_EN) January 13, 2025

Online footage showed fires at the dam’s electrical infrastructure, though the army assured repairs are underway. This is not the first time the dam has been targeted; a similar drone attack occurred last November.

The attack follows the army’s recapture of Wad Madani from RSF control, marking a continued struggle for control over Sudan’s strategic locations. Meanwhile, the war has left tens of thousands dead, displaced over 12 million people, and pushed many to the brink of famine.

Jihadists Kill Farmers in Nigeria Over Territory Dispute

Jihadists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed at least 40 farmers in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state during an attack near Lake Chad on Sunday night.

The farmers were rounded up and executed for allegedly entering ISWAP-controlled territory without permission and failing to pay levies. Local sources, however, claim the death toll could exceed 100.

The farmers, originally from Gwoza, had struck a deal with Boko Haram to cultivate crops near the lake, unaware that the area falls under ISWAP’s jurisdiction.

This region has become a hotbed of violence between ISWAP and Boko Haram, who have been fighting for territorial control since splitting in 2016.

#Nigeria 🇳🇬: #ISWAP (#ISIS – West Africa) militants raided a Christian village; burned down the churches and killed residents in #Borno State.

One of the militants was seemingly armed with a #Belgium-made 🇧🇪 FN MAG machine gun —which was captured from Nigerian Forces. pic.twitter.com/yzFn61PQkM

— War Noir (@war_noir) January 13, 2025

Borno’s government condemned the attack and called on troops to eradicate militant groups operating in the Lake Chad area. Since 2009, jihadist violence in northeastern Nigeria has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced around two million people.

Somali Army Neutralizes IS Fighters, Destroys Drone Threats

Somali security forces have made significant gains against Islamic State fighters in the Puntland region, seizing eight jihadist outposts, including a major base in the Cal Miskat mountains.

During the operation, they also neutralized several fighters, including foreign operatives, and shot down nine explosive-laden drones launched by the militants.

BREAKING: Somali security officials in Puntland region report direct clashes with Islamic State fighters, display bodies of militants killed in the military offensive into the eastern highlands of Cal-Miskaad. pic.twitter.com/ZUtusHJq3f

— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) January 13, 2025

The offensive is part of an effort to flush out Islamic State militants, who have a smaller footprint in Somalia compared to Al-Shabaab but are showing signs of increased activity.

Heavy fighting continues in the Bari region as security forces advance into key strongholds, including caves where militants are hiding.

Islamic State in Somalia is believed to be led by Abdul Qadir Mumin, a native of Puntland, who experts say is a central figure in the global Islamic State network.

Israel Intercepts Yemen Missile Aimed at Tel Aviv

Israel’s military intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early Tuesday, with sirens sounding across central Israel as defense systems sprang into action.

The missile, launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, was reportedly aimed at Tel Aviv.

The attack came just hours after another attempted strike on Monday night, which included a missile and four drones, all intercepted before causing damage.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for both incidents, describing the missile as a “hypersonic ballistic missile” and vowing continued strikes in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Since October 2023, the Houthis have escalated attacks against Israel, while Israeli forces have responded with strikes on Houthi targets inside Yemen.

Sources: News Agencies