Airpower delays, Syria unrest, and Ukraine’s tech push. Get the full rundown in your SOFREP Morning Brief this Friday, July 18, 2025.

Rear Adm. Brad Rosen assumed command of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central from Rear Adm. Brad Collins at Naval Support Activity Naples.

Israeli warplanes pounded Syrian government buildings in Damascus, escalating its campaign against Syria’s new authorities amid heavy clashes between government forces and the country’s Druze minority.

Ankara: The Turkish Ministry of Defense stated Thursday that the Israeli airstrikes on central Damascus following attacks on southern Syria

On Wednesday, state media declared the army’s withdrawal marked the end of operations against “outlaw groups.” A ten‑point cease‑fire agreement was read on national television by Sheikh Youssef Jarboua, one of Syria’s top Druze clerics.

Russia and Syria remain in contact on the presence of Russian military bases in the Arab nation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said today. “I can confirm that our contacts with Damascus on all matters are indeed ongoing.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Damascus, pledges support for Syria’s recovery and regional security - Anadolu Ajansı

A U.S. envoy says that Syria’s central government and the Kurds remain at odds over plans on merging forces after the latest round of talks. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who is also

A view of a destroyed building, after powerful airstrikes shook Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the defense ministry, as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded their withdrawal,