SOFREP Daily: Iran Launches Military Drills to Protect Nuclear Sites, Russian Glide Bombs Devastate Zaporizhzhia, Taiwan Navy Displays Readiness

Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 9, 2025, and we’re back with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Let’s dive into today’s top stories.

Iran Launches Military Drills to Protect Nuclear Sites

Iran’s military has kicked off nationwide drills, with a special focus near the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant, its state media reported on January 7.

Dubbed “Eqtedar” (“might” in Farsi), the exercises feature the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the army simulating defense scenarios under heavy electronic warfare conditions. These drills are reportedly in response to “new security threats,” although Iran hasn’t provided specifics.

They come as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear program, especially with recent reports suggesting the White House discussed potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Tehran has dismissed such threats as violations of international law, maintaining that its nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful, even as it continues to enrich uranium to concerning levels.

Finland Ground Russian-Linked Tanker Over Baltic Cable Sabotage

On Wednesday, Finnish authorities said they detained the “Eagle S,” a tanker suspected of damaging Baltic Sea cables in a potential sabotage.

The ship, linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and flagged under the Cook Islands, was declared unseaworthy after inspectors found 32 deficiencies, including fire safety, navigation equipment, and pump room ventilation issues.

The vessel remains anchored in Finland while repairs are being made, and its crew is being barred from leaving Finnish territory during the ongoing investigation.

#UPDATE An alleged Russian “shadow fleet” tanker suspected of damaging Baltic Sea cables in December has been barred from sailing after Finnish inspectors found the vessel was unseaworthy, authorities said on Wednesday ➡️ https://t.co/sGAXQRhJiS pic.twitter.com/cgECKdWmXT

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 8, 2025

Suspicion arose after multiple undersea cables, including the EstLink 2 electricity cable, were damaged on Christmas Day, with investigators pointing to the ship’s anchor as the cause.

This incident comes amid rising concerns over hybrid warfare in the Baltic region, as aging, questionably owned tankers linked to Russia continue to draw scrutiny.

US Airstrike Kills 10 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Somalia

The US carried out an airstrike in southern Somalia on December 31, killing 10 Al-Shabaab militants, according to a recent US Africa Command (AFRICOM) report.

The operation, conducted near Beer Xaani at the Somali government’s request, targeted the Al-Qaeda-linked group responsible for a long-standing insurgency in Somalia.

AFRICOM reported no civilian casualties from the strike, which aligns with ongoing efforts to support Somali forces in combating jihadist violence.

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.https://t.co/OjkvCcsb3u

— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) January 7, 2025

The airstrike follows a recent Islamic State attack in northern Somalia that government forces successfully repelled.

Al-Shabaab remains a major threat in Somalia, frequently launching attacks even as the government pushes forward with an offensive to eliminate the group.

US military engagement in Somalia has shifted under recent administrations, with President Joe Biden reversing former President Donald Trump’s troop withdrawal decision.

Turkish-Backed Forces Clash with Kurds, Leaving 37 Dead in Syria

Fighting erupted again in northern Syria’s Manbij region on Thursday, leaving 37 dead as Turkish-backed forces clashed with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The violence, backed by Turkish airstrikes, comes amidst US efforts to prevent an escalation between Turkey and Kurdish forces.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported most of the casualties were from Turkish-backed groups, alongside six SDF fighters and five civilians.

The battle marks a continuation of tensions since late November, when Turkish-backed forces captured key Kurdish-held areas.

SDF reports the death toll among the Turkish backed groups during yesterday’s clashes, north of Tishreen Dam and southeast of #Manbij city, rose to 63 dead and 37 wounded, most of them seriously.#SDF announced a tank and 5 military vehicles were destroyed, in addition to 3 BMB… pic.twitter.com/82hBaPANxB

— Mutlu Civiroglu (@mutludc) January 9, 2025

Turkey sees the SDF as linked to the PKK, a group it deems a terrorist organization, and has launched numerous military operations against them since 2016.

The SDF, which led the fight against ISIS in 2019, has called for a nationwide ceasefire and cooperation with Damascus to address the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Turkey’s concerns but stressed the need for dialogue to avoid further violence.

Austin Stresses Need to Keep US Troops in Syria Against IS Threat

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of keeping US troops in Syria to prevent the Islamic State (IS) from regrouping, particularly in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s ouster.

In one of his final interviews before stepping down, Austin pointed out that detention camps housing up to 10,000 IS fighters, including 2,000 considered highly dangerous, remain a significant security risk.

Without continued US presence, he warned, IS could re-enter mainstream operations in Syria.

While US forces have collaborated with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to combat IS since 2015, the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s transitional government and the potential absorption of the SDF into the Syrian military adds to the complexity.

Austin acknowledged that while the SDF has been a reliable partner, for now, the US must stay engaged to protect its interests and maintain stability in the region.

Russian Glide Bombs Devastate Zaporizhzhia as Ukraine Hits Back

A Russian missile attack struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday, killing at least 13 civilians and wounding around 30 others.

The attack targeted residential areas with glide bombs, leaving devastation in its wake.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a brutal attack on civilians and declared a day of mourning for the victims.

Russians struck Zaporizhzhia with aerial bombs. It was a deliberate strike on the city.

As of now, dozens of people are reported wounded. All are receiving the necessary assistance. Tragically, we know of 13 people killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.… pic.twitter.com/9FiuaqqsZ3

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 8, 2025

This is yet another example of Russia’s frequent aerial attacks on non-military areas since the start of the war in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a daring drone strike deep inside Russia, hitting a fuel storage depot near Engels in the Saratov region. The depot supplies a key airfield used for launching missile strikes into Ukraine.

The attack disrupted Russian logistics and highlighted Ukraine’s growing capability to strike far behind the front lines.

While Zelenskyy continues to push for stronger security guarantees from Western allies, Ukrainian officials fear any peace deal without sufficient deterrence will allow Russia to regroup and strike again.

Taiwan Navy Displays Readiness to Deter Potential Chinese Invasion

Taiwan showcased its sea defenses on Thursday as tensions with China continue to rise.

The military drills featured the Kuang Hua VI fast-attack missile boats and the stealthy Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, equipped with advanced anti-ship missiles. These vessels patrolled near the vital port city of Kaohsiung, a key strategic location in any potential conflict.

Taiwan’s Navy emphasized its commitment to asymmetric warfare—leveraging smaller, faster, and more flexible vessels to counter China’s massive military.

#Taiwan‘s military readiness drills kicked off with air and ground forces showcasing their defense capabilities. Disruptions by #PLA patrols highlight Taiwan’s strategic focus on mountain defense. pic.twitter.com/eehUg218oV

— Radio Taiwan International (@RadioTaiwan_Eng) January 9, 2025

China has increased military activities around Taiwan, routinely sending ships and planes to test the island’s defenses.

In response, Taiwan has bolstered its domestic defense industry and continues to rely on US military technology.

Rear Admiral Chen Ming-feng highlighted the importance of these exercises, reaffirming Taiwan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.

While China views Taiwan as part of its territory, the island remains committed to its democratic independence.

Green Beret Veteran Uses AI to Plan Tesla Blast Outside Trump Hotel

Las Vegas police revealed Tuesday new details about Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Army Green Beret who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day in a dramatic “wake-up call” for the country.

Livelsberger, who fatally shot himself during the incident, reportedly used ChatGPT to research explosive targets, ammunition speeds, and fireworks laws, prompting law enforcement to label this the first known US case of generative artificial intelligence (AI) being used in such a manner.

The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but no significant damage to the hotel.

The truck was loaded with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material, 70 pounds of birdshot, and racing-grade fuel, but authorities are still uncertain about what triggered the blast.

Livelsberger’s notes described his act as a symbolic message to highlight societal and political issues, insisting he didn’t intend to harm others.

Police discovered a six-page document that may contain classified information and a journal detailing his belief that he was being surveilled.

The journal also revealed that Livelsberger had considered an earlier plan to target the Grand Canyon’s glass skywalk but later changed his mind.

Despite leaving letters criticizing the nation’s state, Livelsberger expressed support for President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, urging the country to unite behind them.

Sources: News Agencies, AFRICOM, SOHR