SOFREP Daily: US-Somalia Strike Islamic State Militants Hideouts in Puntland Mountains, North Korea Trades Firepower for Russian Tech Access

Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 27, 2025. Here’s your essential update on defense and global affairs.

US, Somalia Strike ISIS Hideouts in Puntland Mountains

The United States and Somalia conducted joint airstrikes on Tuesday night, targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in the Golis mountains of northern Somalia’s Puntland region.

The strikes, carried out by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Somali forces, reportedly killed multiple IS fighters without causing civilian casualties.

This operation is part of a broader counter-terrorism campaign in the region, where IS maintains a smaller but growing presence compared to Al-Shabaab.

AFRICOM emphasized that IS poses a threat to US and allied interests. Puntland forces have been conducting ongoing operations against IS since December.

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.https://t.co/id63fCaURi

— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) March 26, 2025

Lawmakers Press FBI Over Signal Chat Leak

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel faced questioning from lawmakers over a Signal chat involving former Trump officials discussing potential military attack plans, despite not participating in the chat himself.

He made no promises about whether the FBI would investigate, stating he hadn’t reviewed the messages, which were mistakenly shared with a journalist.

The FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) typically handle potential Espionage Act violations, even if the information isn’t formally classified. However, whether an investigation will be launched remains unclear.

The situation has drawn comparisons to past cases, including Hillary Clinton’s email probe, David Petraeus’ classified leaks, and Jeffrey Sterling’s whistleblowing case—each handled with varying legal outcomes, raising concerns about consistency and accountability in national security investigations.

Gaza Protesters Blame Hamas for War

Thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza have taken to the streets in rare anti-war protests, with many directly criticizing Hamas amid the ongoing war with Israel.

Demonstrations in towns like Beit Lahiya and Gaza City saw chants like “the people want the fall of Hamas,” expressing frustration over war, destruction, displacement, and the lack of leadership.

While Hamas has historically cracked down on dissent, it has so far avoided suppressing these protests, possibly due to its reduced visibility during Israel’s resumed offensive.

Protesters say they want an end to the war, the release of hostages, and concessions from Hamas to stop the suffering.

Local leader in northern Gaza explains why Gazans have started protesting against Hamas:

“We demand peace and security. We say no to tyranny and no for setting this city on fire”

Via @ariel_oseran pic.twitter.com/LJJsMraXrE

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 26, 2025

The unrest follows Israel’s renewed military strikes, which came after a collapsed ceasefire and have further devastated Gaza, where over 50,000 people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

US Brokers Fragile Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire

After three days of US-brokered negotiations, the Trump administration, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire, though its implementation remains murky and contested.

The deal focuses on halting long-range strikes on energy infrastructure and ensuring safe Black Sea shipping. However, both sides quickly accused each other of violations and issued conflicting interpretations of the agreement’s terms and start date.

Russia is pushing for sanctions relief in exchange for facilitating Black Sea trade, while Ukraine questions how the ceasefire benefits them, particularly as it could undermine their recent gains at sea. Despite being hailed by some as a promising start, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical, seeing the deal as favoring Russia.

NEW: The details of the ceasefire agreements on energy strikes and maritime operations in the Black Sea that US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials reached on March 24 and 25 remain unclear. ⬇️(1/3)

▪️ Russia and Ukraine appear to agree that a ceasefire against strikes on energy… pic.twitter.com/p4Lmb4pTeP

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) March 26, 2025

Macron Proposes Peacekeeping Force for Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for the creation of a European armed force that could be deployed in Ukraine as part of a post-war peacekeeping strategy.

The goal is to deter future Russian aggression by maintaining a non-frontline presence in key Ukrainian areas.

Macron emphasized the force would not initially engage in combat but would respond if attacked. Supported by the United Kingdom and other European nations, the plan envisions troops assisting with monitoring, training, and stabilization.

While the US under Trump’s leadership is skeptical, European officials argue Russia’s track record shows a strong deterrent is necessary.

The proposal is gaining momentum ahead of a major summit in Paris, and France has pledged an additional two billion euros (around $2.2 billion) in defense aid to Ukraine.

Хочу відзначити зусилля Франції в допомозі нам зараз оборонятись від російських ударів. Зокрема, дуже добре показали себе ваші «міражі» – бойові літаки, зроблені у Франції. Дякую вам за них особливо – вони вже стали частиною нашого повітряного щита й допомагають нам захищатися… pic.twitter.com/xvNtV3B2Xz

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 26, 2025

Finland Boosts Military Readiness with Fitness Program for Youth

Finland has launched a two-year national program to boost the physical fitness of conscription-age youth, citing a concerning decline in their overall physical condition.

Mandatory military service for Finnish men, and optional service for women, begins at age 18.

The initiative—backed by two million euros (around $2.2 million)—aims to increase physical activity during military service and encourage healthier lifestyles among young people.

Puolustusministeriö käynnistää hankkeen, jonka tavoitteena on edistää kutsuntaikäisten nuorten miesten ja vapaaehtoiseen asepalvelukseen hakeutuvien naisten liikunnallista elämäntapaa ja toimintakykyä.#SuomiLiikkeelle | #LisääVainLiike

Tiedote: https://t.co/rReN9lKLJu pic.twitter.com/LlsHMCW8cu

— Puolustusministeriö (@DefenceFinland) March 26, 2025

Officials say fewer recruits are in good shape, though the reasons behind reduced activity remain unclear.

The program hopes to establish lasting practices that benefit both military readiness and public health.

Sweden Launches Historic Defense Buildup

Sweden has announced a major defense spending increase of 300 billion kronor ($30 billion) over the next decade—its largest military buildup since the Cold War.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the move responds to a shifting security landscape, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden aims to raise defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, up from the current 2.4%, exceeding NATO’s 2% target. While funds will be borrowed during a transitional period, officials stress this investment will strengthen both military and civilian defense.

Experts note the move marks a return to Cold War-level spending, but rebuilding military capacity, especially manpower, will take time.

Sweden and Europe are facing an entirely new security environment.

That’s why today we unveiled Sweden’s largest military rearmament plan since the days of the Cold War.

Sweden’s defense spending already exceeds NATO’s 2-percent target — but that’s not enough. Our goal is to… pic.twitter.com/DUgYVw7oG1

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) March 26, 2025

NATO Warns Russia of Devastating Response

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called for unity among the alliance’s 32 member states as Europe expands its defense capabilities in response to shifting US priorities.

Speaking in Warsaw on Wednesday, Rutte emphasized that Europe must shoulder more responsibility for its security but insisted NATO remains irreplaceable. His remarks follow US signals, under the Trump administration, that its strategic focus now lies elsewhere, raising concerns about its commitment to NATO’s core mutual defense principle.

Rutte reaffirmed belief in US support but warned that reassurance must go both ways.

He also hinted at ambitious new defense spending targets, likely exceeding 3% of GDP.

NATO Secretary General M. Rutte in Warsaw:

“If anyone thinks they can get away with an attack on Poland or on any other ally, they’ll be met with the full force of NATO. Our reaction will be devastating. This has to be very clear to Putin and anyone else who wants to attack us” pic.twitter.com/Wg2kS5pbQG

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 26, 2025

Ahead of a June NATO summit, Rutte stressed that any attack on a NATO ally, particularly in Eastern Europe, would provoke a devastating response, sending a direct warning to Russia.

North Korea Trades Firepower for Russian Tech Access

North Korea sent around 3,000 additional troops and more weaponry—including missiles, howitzers, and rocket launchers—to Russia in early 2025 to aid its war against Ukraine, according to South Korea’s latest military assessment. This brings North Korea’s total deployment to approximately 11,000 troops, with an estimated 4,000 killed or injured.

Despite high casualties due to outdated tactics and difficulty adapting to modern warfare, North Korean forces are gaining battlefield experience.

North Korea sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia this year and is still supplying missiles, artillery and ammunition to help Moscow fight Kiev, Seoul’s military claims
🔗 https://t.co/RFvXQR6jOt pic.twitter.com/g0hMSyEIES

— TRT World (@trtworld) March 27, 2025

South Korea also warned of potential tech transfers in return, particularly in drone and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Kim Jong Un recently oversaw tests of new reconnaissance and attack drones, calling for expanded production and emphasizing drones and AI as priorities for modernizing his military.

Sources: News Agencies