SOFREP Daily: Zelenskyy Rejects Encirclement Claims in Kursk, China Delivers Second Submarine to Pakistan

Welcome to a new week! It’s Monday, March 17, 2025, and we’ve got your essential briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Trump Orders Strikes, Kills 31 Houthis

The first US strikes against Yemen’s Houthis under President Donald Trump killed at least 31 people, including women and children, according to the rebels on Sunday.

Trump warned that “hell will rain down” on the Iran-backed group if they continue attacks on Red Sea shipping.

In response, the Houthis vowed retaliation, while Iran condemned the US strikes as a violation of international law.

BREAKING: Trump announces on Truth Social that the US has launched large air-strikes on Yemen’s Houthis.https://t.co/0vRBlU9gnY

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/poLBsqITwU

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 15, 2025

The conflict has escalated tensions in the region, with the Houthis resuming attacks after accusing Israel of blocking aid to Gaza.

The US has labeled the Houthis a terrorist organization and insists its strikes are meant to protect global shipping and deter threats.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Urges Rubio to Halt Strikes in Yemen, Suggests ‘Political Dialogue’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push for a political resolution in Yemen rather than using force.

In a phone call over the weekend, Lavrov emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

Rubio had a call with Lavrov y-day to discuss next steps after the talks in Riyadh

Rubio also told him of the U.S. airstrikes in Yemen

Lavrov responded by calling on “both sides” to refrain from violence & encouraged “political dialogue to find a solution preventing bloodshed” pic.twitter.com/worQOEplMe

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 16, 2025

The discussion followed Washington’s decision to launch strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a move Moscow has previously condemned.

Russia, which maintains ties with the Houthis and Iran, has advocated for diplomatic solutions rather than military intervention.

Houthis Target US Carrier, Claim Retaliation

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed Monday to have attacked a US Navy aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for recent American airstrikes.

The United States has not confirmed the attacks, but President Donald Trump warned of further military action.

US airstrikes over the weekend reportedly killed 53 people, including civilians, prompting Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi to call for mass protests.

The escalation threatens Red Sea shipping routes, with the UN urging both sides to halt military activity.

Netanyahu Seeks Dismissal of Top Security Official

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, escalating a power struggle over accountability for the October 7 Hamas attack.

Netanyahu cited “ongoing distrust” with Bar, but the move comes as the security agency investigates the prime minister’s close aides.

Bar has pushed back, emphasizing his duty to continue sensitive investigations and rescue hostages in Gaza.

The attorney general demanded that Netanyahu justify the legality of his decision before proceeding.

Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, called the move politically motivated, linking it to Netanyahu’s broader efforts to deflect blame for security failures.

If successful, the dismissal would allow Netanyahu to appoint a loyalist, potentially stalling an official inquiry into the attack.

France’s Macron Rejects Draft, Plans Civil Mobilization

French President Emmanuel Macron ruled out reinstating mandatory military service but emphasized the need to mobilize civilians in response to Russian aggression.

While conscription, which ended in 2001, is not a viable option due to logistical constraints, Macron plans to announce new measures soon.

🇫🇷 NEW: President Macron rules out mandatory military service, citing logistical issues, but vows to mobilize society against Russian aggression. Plans floated include a voluntary reserve. Announcement expected soon. 61% of French favor some form of conscription.

— Insider Paper pic.twitter.com/j2JmGHlSdg

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 15, 2025

With growing concerns over NATO’s strength following US President Donald Trump’s comments, European nations, including France, are exploring ways to bolster defense.

Macron has asked for proposals on increasing youth involvement in national security, while other officials have suggested expanding reserve forces or creating a voluntary military service.

Zelenskyy Rejects Encirclement Claims in Kursk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied claims that Ukrainian troops were encircled in Russia’s Kursk region on Sunday, contradicting former US President Donald Trump’s social media plea for Russian President Vladimir Putin to spare them.

Moscow has retaken significant territory in the region, including two villages, and has evacuated civilians from recaptured areas.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficult situation but insisted Ukrainian forces were still resisting Russian and North Korean troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims it is “Putin’s lie” that Ukrainian troops are encircled in Russia’s Kursk region.

“There is no Ukrainian military encirclement in the Kursk region,” Zelenskyy says in Kyiv after U.S. President Donald Trump asked Russia’s Vladimir… pic.twitter.com/uH0n0V0oaW

— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) March 16, 2025

Meanwhile, Russia responded to a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot in Krasnodar, and heavy fighting continued around Pokrovsk and Kryvy Rig.

While the UK hosted a virtual summit on ceasefire protections, Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging the war and preparing new offensives.

Continued Kremlin statements demanding that Ukraine cede unoccupied Ukrainian territory indicate that the Kremlin and Putin maintain their maximalist territorial claims over all occupied Ukraine and significant parts of unoccupied Ukraine despite ongoing negotiations. ⬇️(1/2)… https://t.co/0Hvjpnx0vX pic.twitter.com/4hSXv3wFgE

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) March 17, 2025

Trump Plans Putin Call to Discuss Ukraine

US President Donald Trump announced Sunday evening that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as he seeks to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested the talks would involve land and power plants, describing it as “dividing up certain assets.”

European allies remain wary of his approach, particularly given his strained relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

#UPDATE US President Donald Trump said he planned to speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Tuesday to discuss ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.

He told reporters aboard Air Force One he was already discussing dividing up “certain assets” between Russia and Ukraine pic.twitter.com/TntqUaFI9d

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing new tariffs on April 2, dismissing concerns about potential economic disruptions.

Despite past adjustments to tariff policies, he insisted there would be no changes this time, particularly on autos, steel, and aluminum.

Trump Deports Immigrants Despite Court Order

The Trump administration deported hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador and Honduras despite a federal judge’s temporary order blocking their removal under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which Trump invoked to target Venezuelan gang members.

According to officials on Sunday, flights were already in the air at the time of the ruling, and the administration argued that it had not defied a lawful order.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele agreed to house the deportees, including alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, in his country’s high-security prisons.

Critics argue that the law has never been used outside of declared war and warn that it could lead to wrongful deportations.

A federal court has halted further removals for 14 days, with a hearing scheduled to determine whether Trump exceeded his legal authority.

Myanmar Junta Bombs Village, Kills Civilians

A recent Myanmar junta airstrike on a village controlled by anti-coup fighters killed at least 12 people, with some reports suggesting the death toll is higher.

The attack targeted a crowded market area in Letpanhla, north of Mandalay, as part of the military’s increasing reliance on airstrikes amid growing pressure from opposition forces.

At least nine killed in junta airstrike on busy market in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region

Two children were among the victims of the attack, which targeted a village about 50 miles north of Myanmar’s second-largest city

Read more:https://t.co/wqOeLDv6SU pic.twitter.com/MJ9RW4DA52

— Myanmar Now (@Myanmar_Now_Eng) March 14, 2025

Witnesses described scenes of devastation, including burning buildings and civilian casualties, as the junta struggled to maintain control.

The conflict, which began after the 2021 coup, has displaced millions and plunged the country into deepening turmoil.

China Delivers Second Submarine to Pakistan

China has completed a second Hangor-class submarine for Pakistan’s Navy, further solidifying military ties between the two nations.

The submarine was launched at China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation’s facility in Wuhan, with Pakistan set to receive a total of eight under the agreement, four of which will be built in Karachi.

The Hangor-class is based on China’s 039A submarine and is equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

He highlighted that Hangor S/Ms, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons & sensors, will play pivotal role in maintaining balance of power & maritime order in region. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/JR1Bc8S9ja

— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) March 15, 2025

With European restrictions on dual-use military technology, China has become Pakistan’s primary defense supplier, accounting for over 81 percent of its arms imports.

This collaboration comes as China and India seek to ease tensions over their long-standing Himalayan border dispute.

Chinese Fighter Jet Crashes, Pilot Ejects Safely

A Chinese naval fighter jet crashed during a training exercise on Saturday in Hainan province, but the pilot successfully ejected without injury, and no damage was reported on the ground.

The aircraft belonged to the Southern Theater Command, which oversees sensitive areas, including the South China Sea, where China has been involved in escalating territorial disputes, particularly with the Philippines.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

訓練中の事故でJ-15戦闘機1機が墜落した。パイロットは脱出し無事であった。
現状墜落に伴う死傷者は確認されていない。
墜落した機体の所属はまだ確認されていないが機体はJ-15TやDではなく旧型の無印であり墜落場所からして空母から発艦した機体ではない。 https://t.co/sHPesgaGXA pic.twitter.com/ptQkpLb42g

— お砂糖wsnbn (@sugar_wsnbn) March 15, 2025

The incident comes as Beijing continues to assert its claims in the region despite international opposition and recent confrontations with neighboring countries.

Sources: News Agencies