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US Weapons Left in Afghanistan Reportedly Used in Deadly Pakistan Attacks

More than half a million U.S.-supplied weapons left behind in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal have reportedly been lost, sold, or smuggled by the Taliban, according to a BBC investigation and UN reports. These weapons—including M4s, M16s, and mortars—are now appearing in the hands of regional militant groups like the TTP, with some traced to recent attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban denies any loss or smuggling, but officials across the region report a surge in American arms circulating on the black market. (Read More)​​

U.S. Airstrike on Ras Isa Port Kills 58 in Yemen, Marks Deadliest Hit in Trump’s Anti-Houthi Campaign

A U.S. airstrike on the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa oil port in Yemen killed at least 58 people and wounded over 120. U.S. Central Command said the strike aimed to destroy a key financial hub used for illicit fuel sales that funded Houthi operations. The Houthis accused Washington of targeting civilians, while Iran condemned the attack as a violation of international law. (Read More)​

U.S. Military in Syria to Be Cut to Under 1,000 Troops, Pentagon Says

The Pentagon will reduce U.S. troop levels in Syria to under 1,000 and consolidate all forces under Operation Inherent Resolve, according to a Friday announcement. While no timeline was provided, reports indicate withdrawals have already begun from southern Hasakah toward Iraq. U.S. officials say operations against Islamic State remnants will continue in coordination with Kurdish-led forces and regional partners. (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

Japan Unveils Ship-Mounted Railgun Prototype

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force has revealed its first electromagnetic railgun mounted on the test ship JS Asuka, signaling progress in a nearly decade-long weapons program. Developed by ATLA, the system fires projectiles at over Mach 6.5 and aims to counter missile and artillery threats with high-speed kinetic strikes. The project is now transitioning toward operational testing, focusing on continuous fire capability and targeting integration. (Read More)​

French Navy Frigate Intercepts Houthi Drone in Red Sea Using 76mm Main Gun

A French Navy multi-mission frigate operating under the European Union’s Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides task force successfully intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-launched drone in the Red Sea, according to a statement from the French General Staff and Aspides command. Footage released by the French military shows the frigate engaging the incoming drone at close range using its 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid gun. (Read More)​​

U.S. Air Force B-1B Bombers Begin First Bomber Task Force Rotation in Japan

The U.S. Air Force has deployed B-1B Lancer bombers to Japan for the first time as part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) rotation. Two bombers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base on April 15, marking the beginning of a new phase in U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This is the first time the U.S. has based bombers in Japan for more than a few days since the Vietnam War. (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

U.S. Warns of Potential Imminent Attacks in Syria, Urges Citizens to Leave

In a statement posted Friday, the embassy said there is credible information about planned attacks targeting embassies, international groups, and Syrian government sites in Damascus. “Leave Syria now,” the embassy said, warning that attacks could come from armed gunmen, individual attackers, or explosives. (Read More)​

This Company is Spending Millions to Profit Off Veterans’ Benefits. Why Won’t Lawmakers Stop It? | The War Horse

Veterans Guardian, founded by two Army veterans in 2017, is facing lawsuits and federal scrutiny for charging fees to help with VA disability claims without required accreditation. Critics say the firm profits from services meant to be free, while the company defends its role as a needed alternative to a broken system. Despite a 2019 VA cease-and-desist, it continues operating and has spent over $2.3 million lobbying against new regulations. (Read More)​​

ChatGPT Spends 'Tens of Millions of Dollars' on People Saying 'Please' and Thank you', but Sam Altman Says It's Worth It | TechRadar

Saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT might feel courteous, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says such politeness costs the company “tens of millions of dollars” in electricity due to added server use. A TechRadar survey found 70% of users are polite to AI, with 12% doing so “just in case” of a robot uprising. (Read More)​

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