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U.S. Troops Exit Iraq's Ain al-Asad Airbase

Published 10 days ago • 5 min read

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Major Developments

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

 

Dozens of ISIS Fighters Flee Syrian Prison Amid Clashes

Dozens of ISIS inmates escaped a prison in Shaddadi, northeast Syria, after clashes between government-linked factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF said it lost control of the facility following the attack.

The Syrian army denied involvement in the incident.. The chaos erupted less than a day after President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire and plans to reclaim the country’s northeast. (Read More)​

U.S. Forces Withdraw from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase

U.S. troops have fully withdrawn from Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, and the Iraqi army has assumed complete control, Iraq’s Defense Ministry said Saturday. The base has hosted U.S. and coalition forces for years and was repeatedly targeted by Iran-backed groups during periods of regional tension.

The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to scale back U.S.-led coalition forces and transition to a bilateral security relationship. A small number of U.S. personnel remain at the base for logistical purposes. (Read More)​

Suicide Bombing at Chinese Restaurant in Afghanistan Kills 7

A suicide bomber attacked a Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing one Chinese national and six Afghan civilians. Several others, including a child, were wounded.

The restaurant, jointly operated by Chinese Muslims and an Afghan partner, served the local Chinese Muslim community. Afghanistan’s ISIS branch later claimed responsibility, saying that Chinese citizens were targeted over “growing crimes by the Chinese government against Uyghurs.” (Read More)​

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The Tear Line

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ The North American Aerospace Defense Command announced Monday that multiple aircraft are en route to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. NORAD emphasized that the mission, which “will support various long-planned NORAD activities,” is a routine operation. (Read More)​

➤ Russia has equipped its new Geran-5 kamikaze drones with Chinese XK-F358 radio modems, designed for video transmission and device control. Produced by China’s Xingkai Tech, the XK-F358 is a specialized modem for unmanned platforms and distributed communication networks. (Read More)​

➤ Syria has regained full state control of its largest oil field, Al-Omar in Deir Ez-Zor, after London-based Shell formally requested to withdraw and transfer its stake to government entities. (Read More)​

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ Honduran lawmaker Gladis Aurora López Calderón was injured after a grenade detonated near her head during an interview. The explosive device was reportedly thrown by a far-left protester. (Read More)​

➤ Iran-linked cyber attacks on the U.K. dropped during recent protests over Iran’s economic crisis, according to Leonardo UK CEO Clive Higgins. He observed a drop in social media and chatbot activity focused on Scotland, elections, and independence. (Read More)​

➤ A powerful solar radiation storm, the largest in over 20 years, is headed toward Earth. Forecasters say the level-4 storm could produce bright auroras in unusual areas and disrupt satellite communications and GPS. (Read More)​

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ The U.S. Army has chosen UVision’s HERO-90 loitering munition for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program, designed to equip ground troops with portable precision-strike weapons against armored targets. (Read More)​

➤ South Korea’s largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, has reportedly entered operational service. The missile, nearing intermediate-range size and equipped with a massive warhead, began being fielded late last year and is expected to be fully deployed before 2030, according to TWZ. (Read More)​

➤ China is rapidly advancing the use of 3D‑printing to mass‑produce jet engines for cruise missiles and UAVs. State‑owned Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) recently tested a 3D‑printed turbojet on the Liuxing‑260 drone, achieving stable flight at Mach 0.75. (Read More)​

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Special Interest

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ The commander of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) resistance movement detailed how the group functions under Russian occupation. Established in 2016, the movement seeks to engage civilians in fighting Russia through both armed and non‑violent efforts.

➤ China’s population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. Official data show births dropped to 7.92 million, the lowest in decades, down from 9.54 million in 2024, while deaths rose to 11.31 million from 10.93 million.

➤ China has overtaken Russia to become the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear-powered submarines. Updated assessments estimate China now fields around 32 active boats, surpassing Russia’s roughly 25–28. The U.S. retains the top spot with about 71 nuclear-powered submarines as of the end of 2025.

On this day in history: On January 20, 2011, a Delta IV Heavy rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite. The 23-story rocket generated two million pounds of thrust, marking the largest launch ever conducted from the US West Coast at that time.
Special Interest

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think the weakening of SDF control in Syria will hurt US interests in the region?

  1. Yes, don't trust the new Syrian Government (51.2%)​
  2. Unsure (28.2%)​
  3. No, a sectarian Syria is worse in the long run (20.6%)​
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About SOFX: We are an independent media and communications technology company reporting on the conflicts, security, and technology issues impacting your lives and businesses. SOFX was founded by former Special Operations & Intelligence Professionals not Career Journalists or Big Tech / Big Media.

Have feedback for us? We want to hear any and all comments you may have. Contact us at editor@sofx.com​.​

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