Thailand Launches Airstrikes Against Cambodia After Deadly Border Clashes
Thailand launched F-16 airstrikes on Cambodian military targets Thursday after deadly border clashes left at least 12 Thais dead and 24 others wounded. Fighting erupted early Thursday near the Ta Moan Thom temple, about 225 miles from Bangkok, and spread across six points along the disputed border. (Read More)
American Citizen Executed in Syria During Sectarian Violence
A 35-year-old Syrian-American man from Oklahoma was executed alongside seven male relatives last week in Syria, during fighting between Druze fighters and the Bedouin armed groups allegedly aligned with the Syrian government. The U.S. State Department identified the victim as Hosam Saraya, a member of the Druze religious minority. (Read More)
Russia Conducts Largest Naval Drills Across Four Seas
Russia on Wednesday launched its most extensive naval exercise in recent years, spanning the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the drills, dubbed “July Storm,” involve more than 15,000 personnel, 150 vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, and nearly 950 other military assets. (Read More)
A Russian drone equipped with solar panels has been spotted in territory controlled by Ukrainian forces, according to photos circulating on social media. A Telegram channel run by Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian military communications and electronic warfare specialist, reported: “Our guys once again spotted a Russian 'ZhDUN' drone with a solar panel on top of a water tower.” (Read More)
Meet the ‘Cobots’ that could Lower the Cost of Building Submarines | Defense One
General Dynamics Electric Boat is using collaborative robots, or “cobots,” to speed up submarine production at its Quonset Point facility. Introduced in 2023 for cutting and 2024 for welding, the robots work with human welders and have helped cut outfitting time by more than half. While challenges like space constraints and supply delays remain, officials say cobots are helping bring projects closer to cost and schedule goals. (Read More)
After Manufacturer Failures, Marine Corps to Field-Test New Boot Designs | Military.com
The Marine Corps is launching a new boot testing program after discovering that nearly 25% of boots sold at Marine Corps Exchange stores were defective and returned. The Optional Boot Program, announced last week, aims to speed up access to better-quality boots through real-world testing, fleet feedback, and industry competition. Marines will test lighter, more durable boots this summer in environments ranging from Norway to the Philippines. (Read More)
Navy’s Top Enlisted Sailor to Retire After 38 Years of Service
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea will retire on September 12, 2025, concluding a 38-year career, the U.S. Navy announced in a press release on Tuesday. “It has been a profound privilege and honor to serve as your MCPON,” Honea said. “I will carry with me the memories of meeting Sailors across the Fleet, hearing about your achievements, and the trust you placed in me to advocate for you and your families.” (Read More)
48 Dead After Soviet-Era Passenger Plane Crashes in Russia
A passenger plane carrying 48 people crashed Thursday morning near Tynda in Russia’s Amur region, killing everyone on board, officials said. The Antonov An-24 aircraft, with 42 passengers and six crew members on board, disappeared from radar as it neared Tynda Airport after departing from Blagoveshchensk near the Chinese border, officials said. (Read More)
Former Navy SEAL Accused of Being Part of CIA Plot Freed from Venezuela | Task & Purpose
Navy sailor Wilbert Castañeda, recently released after nearly a year in Venezuelan detention, is now in a reintegration program. He was arrested in Caracas in 2023 and was no longer a SEAL at the time. Venezuela accused him of being part of a CIA plot, which the U.S. denies. His family says service-related brain injuries impaired his judgment. The Navy is investigating. (Read More)
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Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. Ukrainian Special forces head toward the Tendrivska split during a nighttime raid (Source: HUR via Telegram) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Ukrainian Special Forces Raid Russian-Occupied Island in the Black Sea Ukrainian special forces from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) carried out a raid on a Russian military position on an island in the northern Black Sea on Monday night....
