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

US Backs Syria’s Move to Incorporate Foreign Rebels into Army

The United States (U.S.) has signaled support for a Syrian plan to incorporate thousands of former foreign jihadist fighters into the national army, according to President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Syria. Thomas Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Trump’s recently appointed envoy, told Reuters that Washington supports the move. “I would say there is an understanding, with transparency.” (Read More)​

Russia Deploys Chinese Laser Weapon to Target Ukrainian Drones

Russian forces have begun using the Chinese-made Silent Hunter laser system to destroy Ukrainian drones, according to video footage shared by a pro-Russian Telegram channel.The video shows the Russian Kochevnik special operations unit operating the system from inside a vehicle, followed by scenes of drones, identified by the Telegram channel SPZ Vodohrai as Ukrainian Shchedryk, Skywalker X8, and Distractor models, catching fire mid-air. (Read More)​

Gig Model Of Russian Subversion Is A Nightmare For Western Intelligence Services | Politico

Polish officials confirmed the May 2024 fire at Warsaw’s Marywilska 44 mall was arson ordered by Russian special services and carried out by civilians recruited via Telegram. The attack reflects a broader trend of Russia using freelancers for sabotage across Europe—low-profile, hard-to-trace operations that challenge law enforcement and demand greater vigilance. (Read More)​

Philippines Hesitates on F-16 Deal as China Pressure Grows

Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that the country has yet to decide on the $5.6 billion deal to acquire 20 F-16 fighter jets from the United States. His statement comes a month after it was reported that the U.S. had approved the sale, following a visit to Manila by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Read More)​

Britain to Acquire Advanced Nuclear-Capable Fighter Jets from US, Says Report

Britain is reportedly negotiating with the United States to acquire fighter jets capable of launching tactical nuclear weapons, marking the most significant shift in its nuclear posture since the Cold War. According to a new report by The Times, senior officials, including United Kingdom (U.K.) Defence Secretary John Healey and Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, are leading talks to procure American jets. (Read More)​​

US Urges Australia to Boost Defense Spending to 3.5% of GDP

The United States has urged Australia to raise its defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP as soon as possible, stressing the importance of increased support in the Indo-Pacific region. “On defense spending, [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth conveyed that Australia should increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its GDP as soon as possible,” the Pentagon said in a statement. (Read More)​

Colorado Molotov Attack Suspect Charged With Hate Crime, Attempted Murder

A 45-year-old man accused of attacking a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower faces federal hate crime charges and 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, according to court records. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, of El Paso County, was arrested at the scene after attacking participants of the Run for Their Lives walk, an event aimed at raising awareness about hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza and calling for their immediate release. (Read More)​

Iran Set to Reject US Nuclear Deal Proposal, Citing Sanctions Concerns

Iran is preparing to reject a recent U.S. nuclear deal proposal, calling it a “non-starter” that fails to address key demands on uranium enrichment and sanctions relief, according to a senior Iranian diplomat quoted by Reuters on Monday. The U.S. submitted a proposed nuclear deal over the weekend following seven weeks of negotiations with Iran. (Read More)​

AI Is ‘Breaking’ Entry-Level Jobs That Gen Z Workers Need to Launch Careers, LinkedIn Exec Warns | Fortune

AI is disrupting entry-level jobs Gen Z relies on to start their careers, LinkedIn’s Aneesh Raman warns. Tasks once done by junior workers in tech, law, and retail are increasingly automated. While some companies adapt by giving young staff higher-level work, experts urge colleges to teach AI skills to keep grads competitive. The shift is reshaping how early careers begin. (Read More)​