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Thermal imagery released by CENTCOM shows the Iranian tanker M/T Kylo on fire during U.S. strikes in the Gulf of Oman, Sept. 5, 2026. (Credit: U.S. Central Command)

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

U.S. Strikes 3 Iranian Tankers as Fighting Turns ‘Tanker for Tanker’

U.S. fighters and drones struck three Iranian oil tankers under a new “tanker for tanker”policy meant to punish Tehran for attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping. The strikes followed a failed Iranian missile attack on a U.S. carrier and destroyer.

Iran claimed it retaliated by targeting three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three U.S.-affiliated vessels in other areas. Iranian state media also reported that the Navy attacked a U.S. remote-controlled vessel attempting to enter the strait, but the U.S. military denied the claim, calling it “a total lie.” (Read More)

U.S. Army Captain Details Lessons From Fighting Ukraine’s Drone Hunters

In a first-person op-ed for Task and Purpose, the U.S. Army captain who led troops against Ukraine's “Nemesis” drone unit at a German exercise argues armor can survive a drone-saturated battlefield, but only if crews adapt fast.

Capt. Allan Watson pushed back on reports that his armor had been wiped out, writing that early drone strikes exposed his every move but his Bradleys adapted, hiding in steep gullies and off predictable routes, proving tanks are not obsolete, only old habits are. (Read More)

SOFX Contributor Reflects on 66 Years as Ranger, Scientist and Writer

For Labor Day, SOFX Contributor Dino Garner reflects on a lifetime of work as an Airborne Ranger, shark scientist, security operator and ghostwriter.

In a personal essay, Garner urges young people to take challenging jobs, learn new skills, stay healthy and keep reading, arguing that the experiences, discipline and knowledge they gain early in life can become valuable decades later. (Read More)

When Every Decision Matters

The world's most important missions depend on making the right decision at the right time. Whether protecting critical infrastructure, securing borders, supporting military operations, or countering emerging threats, success hinges on the ability to turn complexity into clarity.

Parsons helps mission owners achieve decision advantage by connecting data, technology, and human insight into a unified operational picture. Our solutions integrate AI-enabled analytics, identity intelligence, all-domain awareness, cyber, counter-UAS, and command-and-control capabilities to help organizations detect threats earlier, respond faster, and operate with greater confidence.

Because when the stakes are highest, better decisions don't just improve outcomes. They protect missions, strengthen security, and help safeguard what matters most.

Decision Advantage Starts Here →

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ U.S. Navy SEALs and divers spent four months secretly clearing Iranian sea mines from major transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, using robotic boats and submersibles. Details of the dangerous operation were reported after CENTCOM confirmed in late August that U.S. forces had cleared Iranian sea mines from major transit routes in the strait, a claim Iran rejected. (Read More)

➤ At least three Colombian soldiers were killed and four wounded after suspected members of the National Liberation Army or ELN attacked a military compound in northeastern Colombia with explosive-laden drones, authorities said Saturday. President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack and vowed a forceful response against the ELN. (Read More)

➤ Seven people were killed and 20 wounded in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon Sunday, launched in response to a Hezbollah drone attack on Israeli troops. Israel said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, including a former hospital used as a command center. (Read More)

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is letting non-ticketed visitors back into airport secure areas for the first time since 9/11 through Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a program that allows eligible visitors to pass through security without a boarding pass. The program is initially available at 13 U.S. airports. (Read More)

➤ Hackers from the Rhysida ransomware group leaked nearly six terabytes of data from Berlin’s state administration after the government refused to pay a $2.4 million ransom. The stolen data includes 1.4 million files containing personal, security and defense information. (Read More)

➤ An Amazon Boeing 767 cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport after landing from Puerto Rico, killing at least five people and injuring five others. The aircraft, operated by 21 Air, overran the runway and struck multiple vehicles before bursting into flames. (Read More)

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ German startup Isar Aerospace successfully launched its Spectrum rocket into low-Earth orbit from Norway, becoming the first fully commercial European launch vehicle to reach orbit. The milestone advances Europe’s effort to reduce reliance on non-European launch providers, particularly SpaceX. (Read More)

➤ The military is seeking companies that can offer a medium-caliber, ground-based air defense gun system with relatively inexpensive ammunition to defend its overseas bases against drones and cruise missiles. The system must detect, track and engage targets. (Read More)

➤ Finland has completed assembly of its first F135 engine for its incoming F-35 fleet, marking a major expansion of its role in the program. The development comes as Finland continues to strengthen its military capabilities after joining NATO in 2023. (Read More)

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SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ Nearly 300 people in North Carolina were assessed for potential rabies exposure after interacting with baby goats at a mobile petting zoo. Of the 284 people evaluated by local health departments, 213 were advised to receive preventive rabies treatment, according to authorities.

➤ Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, forcing the cancellation of flights at Jakarta’s main international airport and disrupting services at several other airports. No casualties were reported, and officials said the brief blast posed no tsunami risk.

➤ Researchers have completed a digital map of every neuron in the brain of a male fruit fly, a project that could help scientists better understand how brains process information. The project, led by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus and Google, follows the completion of a similar map of a female fruit fly’s brain earlier this year.

On this day in history: On September 7th, 1776, the Turtle, a hand-cranked wooden submarine built by David Bushnell, made the first combat submarine attack in history, as Sergeant Ezra Lee tried and failed to fix an explosive charge to a British warship in New York Harbor.

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Do you think Governments can really regulate AI?

Yes

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Saturday's Results:

Should the U.S. Navy adopt a foreign frigate design and build the first ships overseas to rebuild its fleet faster?

Yes (47.6%)
No (39.5%)
Unsure (12.9%)

n=712

Have your own question you’d like polled? Email us at editor@sofx.com.

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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.

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