SOFREP Daily: North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Shows Off New Missile Weapon, Israel Kills Hamas Security Chief in Gaza

Good morning! It’s Friday, March 21, 2025. Here’s your essential briefing on defense and global affairs to close out the week.

Kim Jong Un Shows Off New Missile Weapon

North Korea announced Friday the test-firing of a new anti-aircraft missile system, with leader Kim Jong Un claiming it enhances the country’s defense capabilities.

The announcement coincides with a visit from Russia’s security chief, Sergei Shoigu, for talks with Kim, reflecting deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

🇰🇵 KIM JONG-UN OVERSEES TEST FIRE OF NEW ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILE SYSTEM – STATE NEWS AGENCY

The successful test fire confirmed the new anti-aircraft missile system’s rapid response and reliability, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. pic.twitter.com/fysqOKHudX

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) March 20, 2025

While neither side has confirmed troop deployments, Seoul and Western intelligence allege that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers and large quantities of weapons have been sent to support Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

Analysts suggest the latest weapons tests may be intended for export to Russia, using US-South Korea joint drills as a pretext.

The growing military collaboration could have implications for South Korea’s defense strategy, especially if Russia helps upgrade North Korea’s air defense and radar systems.

Israel Kills Hamas Security Chief in Gaza

Israel’s military has killed Rashid Jahjouh, the head of Hamas’s internal security agency, in an airstrike on Gaza, continuing a string of targeted assassinations.

The renewed offensive, which began Tuesday after a brief ceasefire, has so far killed over 500 people, including more than 190 children, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.

Jahjouh had taken over the role after his predecessor was killed in July 2024.

🔴 ELIMINATED: Rashid Jahjuh, the Head of Hamas’ General Security Forces and Ayman Atsalih, the Head of the Khan Yunis sector within Hamas’ General Security Forces.

This unit was responsible for exposing “collaborators”, safeguarding senior Hamas members and assets within Gaza… pic.twitter.com/iDib1LUd5T

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 20, 2025

Israeli forces also killed Ismail Abdel-Al, linked to Islamic Jihad’s arms smuggling network.

Hamas confirmed the deaths of several senior officials, including Essam al-Dalis, head of its Gaza administration, and interior chief Mahmud Abu Watfa.

Israel Investigates UN Staff Death

Israel has launched an investigation into the death of a United Nations worker in Gaza, after a UN building in Deir el-Balah was recently hit by an explosive.

The blast killed a Bulgarian UN employee and injured five others, prompting outrage from UN officials who stressed the attack on humanitarian personnel violates international law.

While the Hamas-run health ministry blamed Israel, the Israeli military denied any involvement, stating there was no operational activity in the area.

The UN is calling for a full investigation, as questions remain about who fired the ordnance.

I am shocked & devastated. Our @UNOPS premises in Gaza were hit causing the death of a colleague and 5 injured. International humanitarian law has not been respected. I renew call for a ceasefire, unimpeded aid and release of all hostages. My statement: https://t.co/AsEDKJByEQ pic.twitter.com/VojFIk8olM

— Jorge Moreira da Silva (@jmoreiradasilva) March 20, 2025

Since the conflict began in October 2023, at least 280 UN staff have died in Gaza.

Allies Plan Peacekeeping Force for Ukraine

Military officials from over 30 countries met in England to develop plans for a possible international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as tentative ceasefire discussions progress.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to prepare in advance, warning that any deal without enforcement would be vulnerable to violations by Russia.

A “coalition of the willing,” led by the UK and France, is entering its operational phase, with a follow-up meeting in Paris alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A “coalition of the willing” could put boots on the ground in Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.

Security and Defence Analyst Professor Michael Clarke breaks down what Ukraine needs most from such an alliance.https://t.co/KA7mlZ25mC pic.twitter.com/x1zqc8w5xz

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 20, 2025

Despite the ceasefire talks—facilitated by Donald Trump—drone attacks from both sides continue, causing injuries and damage in Ukraine and Russia.

Russia remains firmly opposed to NATO troops in Ukraine, and the presence of international forces hinges on US backing, which Trump has yet to guarantee.

Meanwhile, European nations are boosting defense spending, with Germany set to approve 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in additional military aid.

⚡️ The outgoing German government agreed to release an additional 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine, a German Finance Ministry spokesperson confirmed for the Kyiv Independent.https://t.co/50ESqsHGAB

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 19, 2025

Ukrainian civilians remain divided on whether peace talks will succeed, citing past betrayals and ongoing skepticism of Russia’s intentions.

Ukraine Welcomes Freed POWs Home

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 175 prisoners each in one of the largest swaps since the war began in 2022, marking a hopeful step amid ongoing ceasefire discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the return of soldiers from various military branches and reiterated his call for an “all-for-all” exchange to build trust and pave the way for peace.

Emotional reunions took place at a hospital in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, where exhausted and visibly malnourished POWs were welcomed by loved ones. Some families still search for missing relatives.

Today is another day when Ukraine brings its people back. 175 of our defenders have been released from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home through measures beyond exchanges. Among them are severely wounded warriors and those whom Russia persecuted for… pic.twitter.com/r8vI7BiYxn

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 19, 2025

The exchange required months of coordination, according to Ukrainian officials.

Russia also separately released 22 severely wounded Ukrainian captives, citing it as a “goodwill gesture.”

Since the invasion began, over 4,000 Ukrainian captives have been freed, though many return with signs of mistreatment or torture.

Ecuador Battles Cartels, Asks Allies for Help

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has urged the United States, Brazil, and European nations to send special forces to help combat powerful drug gangs turning his country into a battlefield.

Once one of Latin America’s safest countries, Ecuador has become a key transit hub for cocaine, drawing in violent cartels now linked to extortion, kidnappings, and illegal mining.

Noboa described the crisis as an “unconventional, urban guerrilla war” and has made security the centerpiece of his reelection campaign.

Amid surging violence ahead of April’s election, he’s proposed bold measures — including foreign troop deployment and an alliance with controversial Blackwater founder Erik Prince.

However, legal and political challenges, including Ecuador’s ban on foreign bases, could stall such plans, especially if Noboa loses to his leftist rival, Luisa Gonzalez.

Taiwan Simulates Potential Chinese Invasion in Latest Military Exercise

Taiwan will simulate a potential Chinese invasion in 2027 during its annual “Han Kuang” military exercises, set for July 9–18, as tensions with Beijing persist.

The drills will focus on realistic scenarios based on China’s escalating “grey-zone” tactics—aggressive but non-war actions like frequent military flybys and naval patrols meant to exhaust Taiwan’s defenses.

Taiwan’s defense ministry aims to test its troops’ readiness and decision-making at all levels.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned that China could quickly pivot from exercises to actual combat and stressed the importance of monitoring early warning signs.

The announcement comes as over 50 Chinese aircraft conducted joint patrols near Taiwan, further raising regional concerns.

Vandals Torch Tesla Center in Vegas

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has condemned a wave of attacks on Tesla property as acts of domestic terrorism and vowed harsh penalties for those responsible.

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in a statement Tuesday. “We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.”

The latest incident involved arson at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas, where several vehicles were destroyed and the word “Resist” was spray-painted on the building.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a key ally and donor to Donald Trump, called the attacks “evil” and shared surveillance footage online.

Amid the backlash, Tesla was dropped from the Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns.

The incidents come as Tesla faces growing public scrutiny, declining stock prices, and fallout from Musk’s political activities, including support for far-right causes and controversial government-slashing proposals.

Sources: News Agencies