SOFREP Daily: Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as New Pentagon Chief, Iraq-Turkey Border Patrol Faces Deadly PKK Ambush, South Korea Warns of North Korea Sending More Troops to Russia

Good morning! It’s Saturday, January 25, 2025, and we’re here to bring you your weekend briefing on defense and global affairs. Let’s dive into today’s top stories.

Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as Pentagon Chief in Razor-Thin Vote

Pete Hegseth has officially been confirmed as the new Pentagon chief, but it wasn’t without drama.

The Senate vote ended in a 50-50 tie, forcing Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the deciding vote—only the second time in history a VP has had to break a tie for a cabinet nominee.

Hegseth, a former Fox News co-host and Army National Guard officer, takes on the role amid swirling controversies, including allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and financial mismanagement.

Critics have questioned Hegseth’s leadership abilities and lack of experience managing an organization as massive as the Department of Defense (DoD).

Despite this, supporters argue his military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan give him a unique perspective to focus the Pentagon on “lethality” and restoring “warrior culture.”

Hegseth’s nomination was met with resistance from three Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell—who cited his past behavior and judgment issues as major concerns.

He dismissed the criticisms as part of a “coordinated smear campaign,” while President Trump called him “a very, very good man.”

Hegseth’s confirmation marks just the beginning of a wave of controversial Trump cabinet nominees, with Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. next in line for Senate scrutiny.

US Lawmakers Slam UAE for Arming Sudan’s Genocidal RSF

US lawmakers are raising alarms over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allegedly breaking promises and continuing to arm Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused by Washington of committing genocide.

Senators Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs expressed Friday outrage after learning that the UAE has reportedly resumed supplying weapons to the RSF despite earlier assurances to the Biden administration that it had ceased such transfers.

Both lawmakers, who initially lifted objections to a $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE based on its assurances, are now vowing to block future arms sales under the Trump administration.

They emphasize the need for justice and accountability for the people of Sudan, where the RSF has been accused of systematic violence in Darfur, including genocide, killings, and sexual violence.

Despite their assurances to the Biden Admin, it’s clear the UAE is continuing to provide weapons to the murderous RSF — which the U.S. has charged with committing genocide in Sudan.⁰
We cannot allow arms transfers to the UAE until that changes. My statement with @RepSaraJacobs: pic.twitter.com/pxazyYaOQN

— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) January 25, 2025

The UAE denies the allegations, though UN experts have called them credible.

Meanwhile, other nations like Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia have been accused of supporting various factions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and triggered a humanitarian disaster.

US Halts Foreign Assistance in Sweeping Trump Administration Freeze

The US State Department has hit a pause on nearly all US foreign assistance following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this week.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the freeze in a global cable on Friday, leaving only emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel and Egypt exempt.

This decision could grind billions of dollars in health, education, and humanitarian programs around the world to a halt, with some projects already receiving stop-work orders.

Sec. of State Marco Rubio ordered an immediate stop to the flow of almost all U.S. foreign assistance Friday pending a review, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by NBC News. https://t.co/RRmXFbiOOt

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 25, 2025

The suspension includes life-saving initiatives like the globally praised PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief) anti-HIV program, which has saved millions of lives since its inception.

Humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, warn that the freeze will have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities.

Refugee resettlement programs may also be forced to shut down temporarily, leaving groups like Afghan refugees in limbo.

The freeze aligns with Trump’s pledge to overhaul US foreign aid and ensure it supports his foreign policy priorities.

A full review of assistance programs is expected to conclude in three months, but in the meantime, questions remain about whether key military aid to Ukraine will resume.

Puntland Army Seizes Key Islamic State Base in Somalia’s Golis Mountains

The Puntland army in Somalia announced a major win against the Islamic State (IS) on Friday, claiming they’ve seized a key mountain command base in Turmasaale.

This base was described as vital for IS operations, serving as a logistics hub and shelter for wounded fighters.

Reports suggest that even IS leaders may have used the site in recent years, though it’s unclear if this includes Abdul Qadir Mumin, IS’s leader in Somalia.

Puntland forces are closing in on a decisive victory against IS militants as their military operation reaches its final stages.

Having overrun most of the terror group’s last hideouts and bases, the troops are now on the verge of fully eradicating IS’s presence in the region.… pic.twitter.com/D8MhjW7S5D

— Abdi Guled (@Abdi_Guled) January 24, 2025

The Puntland Defence Forces have been conducting operations against IS in the Golis Mountains since December, without any assistance from Somalia’s federal government.

This adds to the ongoing tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu, as Puntland often acts independently from the federal government.

While IS is smaller in Somalia compared to the dominant Al-Shabaab, experts warn its activity is growing, making this victory a significant step for Puntland’s security forces.

Germany Deploys Patriot Systems to Shield Key Polish Hub for Ukraine

Germany recently sent two Patriot air-defense units to Rzeszow, Poland, to secure a critical hub supplying aid and equipment to Ukraine.

Rzeszow airport, responsible for over 90 percent of Ukraine-bound military and humanitarian shipments, will be protected under this new deployment, which is expected to be fully operational by Monday.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking alongside his Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, emphasized that the move is designed to bolster Poland’s airspace security. This deployment takes over from the US, whose contributions were praised for their dedication.

🇩🇪🇺🇦🇵🇱 THE GERMANS ARE IN POLAND AGAIN, BUT FOR A DIFFERENT REASON.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has confirmed the deployment of two Patriot PAC-3 air defence missile systems near Rzeszow-Jasienica Airport in Poland, a key hub for international aid to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/L7EiXgmNzU

— OSINT Expert (@OsintExperts) January 25, 2025

In addition to the Patriot systems, Germany will also handle air policing and refueling operations in Poland.

This latest deployment follows a previous German mission near Ukraine’s border in 2023 and aligns with broader NATO support efforts in the region.

Iraq-Turkey Border Patrol Faces Deadly PKK Ambush

A deadly clash near Iraq’s border with Turkey on Friday left two Iraqi border guards dead and one wounded, with officials blaming the attack on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The incident occurred in the Zakho district of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, where PKK fighters and Turkish military bases are active.

Iraq’s interior ministry stated that the guards were patrolling the area when they were fired on by PKK members.

In response, two PKK fighters were reportedly killed during subsequent search operations.

Two Iraqi border guards were killed in Duhok province on Friday. Iraq blamed the PKK and the PKK blamed Turkey.

READ MORE: https://t.co/GykmuodLXc pic.twitter.com/7vwmMw2AAn

— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) January 25, 2025

The attack highlights ongoing tensions between Baghdad, the PKK, and Turkey, which has conducted airstrikes targeting PKK positions in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

While Iraq has recently designated the PKK a banned organization, Turkey continues to pressure Baghdad to take stronger action against the group, which is also labeled a terrorist organization by the US and Turkey.

UK Secures $11 Billion Deal to Boost Nuclear Sub Fleet with Rolls-Royce

The UK government recently struck a massive 9 billion pounds ($11 billion) deal with Rolls-Royce to bolster the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet, aiming to boost both national security and the economy.

The multi-year contract is set to create over 1,000 new jobs in the UK while safeguarding 4,000 existing roles, as part of Labour’s focus on growing the economy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the investment as a win for both British businesses and taxpayers, citing savings of 400 million pounds while emphasizing the importance of the country’s nuclear deterrent in an increasingly volatile world.

UK awards $11B contract to Rolls-Royce for designing and maintaining nuclear reactors of its submarine fleet pic.twitter.com/nS7W3Zz9lj

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) January 24, 2025

Rolls-Royce’s President of Submarines, Steve Carlier, noted that the deal allows the company to strengthen its workforce and facilities to support the UK’s defense interests at home and abroad.

The announcement comes as the UK continues to collaborate with European partners on defense, including a recent agreement with Germany to base submarine-hunting planes in Britain.

Labour’s defense strategy underscores the dual benefits of strengthening national security and driving economic growth.

South Korea Warns of North Korea Sending More Troops to Russia

South Korea suspects North Korea is gearing up to send more troops to Russia, following heavy losses suffered by its soldiers in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

South Korea’s Intelligence estimates Friday that thousands of North Korean troops have been killed or wounded, with their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain making them vulnerable to drone and artillery strikes.

North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia, raising concerns that Moscow might reciprocate by sharing advanced military technology that could enhance Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.

South Korea’s military said that it suspects North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight Ukrainian forces, even after suffering losses and seeing some of its soldiers captured https://t.co/jdfNx9SsUA

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 24, 2025

Meanwhile, North Korea is also ramping up preparations for another intercontinental ballistic missile test, targeting the US.

President Trump’s return to the White House has fueled speculation about a potential diplomatic reset with Kim Jong Un, as the two shared a unique rapport during Trump’s first term. While Trump has called Kim “a smart guy” and expressed willingness to meet again, South Korea is wary that any talks may shift focus to reducing threats to the US while leaving North Korea’s nuclear arsenal against Seoul intact.

Despite Trump’s comments acknowledging North Korea as a nuclear power, South Korea remains committed to the goal of complete denuclearization as a pathway to lasting peace.

China Harasses Philippine Vessels, Halt Survey Near Disputed Sandy Cay

Tensions in the South China Sea flared again on Friday when Chinese coast guard ships and a navy helicopter harassed Philippine vessels conducting a scientific survey near Sandy Cay, forcing them to cancel the operation.

Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard show dangerously close maneuvers by Chinese ships and a low-flying Chinese helicopter near vessels flying Philippine flags.

China claims most of the South China Sea, marking its territory with the controversial “10-dash line,” while neighboring nations, including the Philippines, assert their own rights under international law.

The incident highlights China’s increasing aggression in the region, a critical trade and security corridor.

BFAR Vessels Face Harassment from Chinese Coast Guard and PLAN Helicopter During Scientific Survey

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), supported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has reported an alarming incident involving harassment faced by its patrol… pic.twitter.com/tWIGgNlc5I

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 25, 2025

The US, under its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, has reiterated its commitment to support its ally.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently criticized China’s actions as destabilizing and reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” defense obligations.

However, China insists the area is part of its sovereign territory and has warned the US to stay out of what it calls a regional dispute.

This latest escalation adds to the long-standing tensions between China and the Philippines over disputed territories, including Scarborough Shoal and other areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Sources: News Agencies