13 February 2026
Iran
The USS Gerald Ford and its escort ships have been ordered from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. It is unclear whether the world’s largest aircraft carrier is being sent as an additional carrier to support operations or to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Syria
The United States has transferred the al-Tanf military base to Syrian government forces as US troops pull out of the country. The base was established in 2014 to support global operations against ISIS.
United Nations
The UN Security Council renewed the mandate of the Monitoring Team supporting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee for another 12 months. There have been concerns that the Security Council would not renew the mandate for this research team that creates detailed and extensive research on terrorist groups operating out of Afghanistan and about the conditions within the country.
Germany
Naval shipbuilder TKMS reported a $22 billion order backlog, a new record, and raised its 2026 sales outlook. Increased sales in submarines and warships due to the current geopolitical situation. TKMS is a frontrunner to replace Canada’s submarine fleet. DefenceReport published a report on the Canadian submarine replacement; it can be found here, if you have not read it yet.
Gaza
With reports that Hamas is seeking to train 10,000 police officers to police the Gaza Strip, EU and Egyptian authorities have stated that they will not train anyone who is affiliated with Hamas. There are plans to create a new police force in line with the ceasefire and peace agreements, but Hamas can still operate within the strip.
South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he will deploy the army to assist the police with cracking down on criminal gangs and illegal mining. Ramaphosa also announced further measures, including recruiting 5,500 police officers, strengthening intelligence, and targeting crime syndicates.
Ukraine
It is being reported that for a second month in a row, Russian casualties exceeded the number of recruitment. It is believed that Russia recruited approximately 22,000 soldiers in January, while battlefield losses were estimated at 30,618. Leaving a negative balance of 8,618 personnel for the month.
It is estimated that nearly 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast to help support Russian operations. It is also believed that North Korea has suffered more than 6,000 casualties in the war.
Somalia
The African Union condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reiterated its support for the unity of Somalia. Somalia has signed defence agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar and has allowed Turkish fighter jets to operate from its soil.
Social media wires
Russia is starting to admit that he economy is weakening
Silent quitting
Featured Photo: “Deck of the USS Gerald Ford” -Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.