Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe.

Video Shows Ukrainian Soldiers Eliminating Russian Soldiers at Close Range in Donetsk Region

Footage circulating on social media shows a Ukrainian battalion ambushing and killing three Russian soldiers in close-range combat near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast. As shown in the video, initially shared by the official Telegram channel of Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, a Ukrainian unit uses a drone to track a Russian soldier’s approach before one of the fighters emerges from cover and opens fire at near point-blank range. (Read More)​​

Chinese Spies Reportedly Bugging Pubs and Parks Near UK Government Offices

British security officials have warned that Chinese spies are bugging public places in central London, including parks and hotels, to gather government secrets. According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, locations targeted by Beijing include five-star hotels such as the Corinthia near Trafalgar Square and the newly opened Raffles on Whitehall. (Read More)​

Hamas Releases Footage of Ambush on Israeli Troops in Northern Gaza

Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades released a video showing their fighters ambushing an Israeli military convoy east of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza on April 19. The footage shows a multi-phase attack. It begins with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) targeting a convoy near the separation fence. Hamas fighters then fire Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPG) and mortars at the Israeli forces. (Read More)​

SPONSORED The Perfect Location to START, MOVE, and GROW Your Business Attending SOF Week 2025? Book your meeting with Pasco EDC now to discover why national security and defense innovators are choosing Pasco County, Florida for mission-aligned growth. Located just 30 minutes from MacDill AFB, home to CENTCOM and SOCOM, Pasco County is the 3rd fastest growing county in the U.S. With direct access to major transportation corridors, a deep bench of cleared talent, and a dynamic high-tech economy, Pasco is ready for your next move. Our Ready Sites Program includes over 2,500 evaluated acres across six properties, all within close proximity to interstates and employment hubs. Each site is supported with 3D videos and interactive maps. You’ll also find a strong inventory of Class A office and industrial flex space available now. With 151,000+ professionals in Tampa’s tech and aerospace sectors, 24,000+ Top Secret clearances, and nearly 10,000 STEM grads annually, Pasco is where missions scale fast. Let’s talk at SOF Week. If you’re interested in meeting with a member of our economic development team, email us at PascoEDC@sofx.com. BOOK A MEETING

Ukrainian Military Reports Surge in Russian ‘Scooter-Assaults’

Ukrainian troops have noted an increasing use of electric scooters by Russian forces in assaults, highlighting a shift towards lighter and more unconventional battlefield transport. A video posted by @wartranslated earlier this month shows Russian troops using electric scooters to launch an attack in the Pokrovsk direction. (Read More)​

China Unveils Plan for Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon to Support Joint Station with Russia

China is considering building a nuclear power plant on the Moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project with Russia. The plan was presented Wednesday by Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of China’s Chang’e-8 mission, during a space conference in Shanghai. (Read More)​​

Northrop Grumman Takes $477M Loss on B-21 Bomber Program

Northrop Grumman's profits plunged 49% in the first quarter of 2025, driven largely by a $477 million charge tied to its B-21 Raider stealth bomber program. The company said the charge resulted from changes in the B-21’s manufacturing process, aimed at accelerating production. While the U.S. Air Force currently plans to acquire 100 B-21s, officials have indicated that as many as 145 may be needed to meet global security demands. (Read More)​

SPONSORED Florida’s High-Tech Corridor is Ready for You Pasco County, FL is strategically located in North Tampa Bay—just 30 minutes from MacDill AFB, home to CENTCOM and SOCOM. Our thriving high-tech ecosystem, robust cybersecurity workforce, and evaluated industrial sites make us the ideal destination for mission-aligned growth. We’re home to: ​ • 151,000+ high-tech and aerospace professionals • 9,400+ annual STEM degrees & certificates • 72,000+ security clearances, including 24,000 Top Secret Through our Ready Sites Program, Pasco offers over 2,500 acres of industrial development-ready land,—all mapped with 3D visuals and utility data, and plenty of Class A Office and Industrial FlexSpace. Let’s talk growth strategy! Email us at PascoEDC@sofx.com to book your meeting at SOF Week today. BOOK A MEETING

Iran Expands Security Around Nuclear Sites Amid Growing Tensions with the US

Iran has built a large security perimeter around two deep tunnel complexes near its Natanz nuclear facility, according to a satellite imagery released by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS). “New satellite imagery shows Iran is constructing a new, large security perimeter around the base of Mt. Kolang Gaz La, an area housing a new, large tunnel complex, and a smaller one dating to 2007, located south of the Natanz enrichment complex,” ISIS said. (Read More)​

Who Were the Carthaginians? Ancient DNA Study Reveals a Stunning Answer | Haaretz

A new study in Nature shows that ancient Carthaginians, though culturally Phoenician, were genetically closer to Sicilian, Greek, and North African populations. Despite their strong Phoenician identity, their Levantine ancestry had largely faded, suggesting Carthage spread its culture like a franchise, adopted by diverse local groups rather than direct descendants of its founders. (Read More)​​

'Peaches' and 'Baby Doe,' Bodies Found Near Gilgo Beach, ID'd as Mother and 2-year-old Daughter | NBC News

Authorities have identified two sets of remains found years apart on Long Island as a mother and daughter. Tanya Jackson, a 26-year-old Army veteran, was found in 1997; her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Dykes, was found in 2011 near Gilgo Beach. DNA confirmed their relationship in 2015. Though their cases are often linked to the Gilgo Beach killings, police say no direct connection has been established. The investigation is ongoing. (Read More)​

SPONSORED Your Career Reset Starts Here Looking to expand operations near CENTCOM and SOCOM? Pasco County, Florida offers Class A industrial flex and office space, a security-cleared workforce, and 2,500+ acres of industrial development-ready land with full site intelligence available now.​ Whether you’re scaling, relocating, or launching a new division—email us at PascoEDC@sofx.com to connect at SOF Week and map out your next move.