Iran

U.S. Government

•

30 days

Summary

sources
16
Narrative Items
26
Bottom Line Up Front

16 sources in U.S. Government are amplifying 26 narrative items relating to the narrative of the 2015 battle for Aden, Yemen. These narratives connect themes of international military cooperation, highlighting UAE special forces trained by NATO and the US, and their strategic role in repelling Houthi rebels to secure a critical waterway.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that the Naval War College portrays the events of the 2015 battle for Aden in a positive light, emphasizing the strategic success of UAE special forces in repelling Houthi rebels and securing a crucial waterway. The language used is analytical and precise, focusing on military tactics and contextual background rather than emotional or sensational terms. The coverage is neutral and scholarly, avoiding hyperbole or loaded language, which suggests an intent to inform rather than persuade. Compared to more mainstream media outlets that might dramatize the conflict or emphasize humanitarian impacts, the Naval War College maintains a focus on operational and strategic aspects, appealing to readers interested in military studies without displaying noticeable bias or propaganda.

About This Module

The U.S. Government module tracks the official blogs, video channels, and social media accounts of U.S. government agencies and departments.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Army Times
19% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Department of Defense News Releases
15% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Praetorians)
12% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Naval War College
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Department of Defense (DoD)
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
David H. Berger: Marine Corps CMC
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Gen Daniel Hokanson: Chief NGB
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
FBI - Most Wanted
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
FBI - Miami, FL
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
FBI - Milwaukee, WI
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Naval War College
digital-commons.usnwc.edu
Episode 18: 25 Days to Aden; The Unknown Story of Arabian Elite Forces at War (a book series with Michael Knights)
Episode 18 discusses Michael Knights' book, "25 Days to Aden," detailing the 2015 battle for Aden, Yemen. UAE special forces, trained by NATO and the US, repelled Houthi rebels, preventing them from controlling a vital waterway. Guests include Knights and Jane Stokes, an expert on Middle Eastern security.
Amplifiers:
FBI - Most Wanted
fbi.gov
SEYED YAHYA HOSSEINY PANJAKI | Federal Bureau of Investigation
Seyed Yahya Hosseiny Panjaki, an Iranian MOIS officer, is wanted by the FBI. He heads the Directorate for Internal Security, allegedly overseeing global lethal plots and terror activities, including targeting US-based Iranian dissidents. His subordinate, Reza Hamidi Ravari, is also wanted.
Amplifiers:
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
dvidshub.net
New Army publication informs force about Chinese threat
The U.S. Army released "How China Fights in Large-Scale Combat Operations," the first in a series analyzing potential adversaries' warfare strategies. This publication details the People's Liberation Army's capabilities and operational strategies, providing the Army with insights for potential Indo-Pacific conflicts. Future publications on Russia, Iran, and North Korea will follow.
Amplifiers:
Department of State
youtube.com
After the Brief - May 29
The State Department's May 29th briefing covered visa security enhancements, departmental restructuring, the Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange, and Iran's nuclear ambitions. The Department, led by the Secretary of State, advances U.S. foreign policy interests globally. For updates, visit www.state.gov.
Amplifiers:
Naval War College
youtube.com
The Trident | 25 Days to Aden: The Unknown Story of Arabian Elite Forces at War
This Trident podcast episode discusses Michael Knights' book, "25 Days to Aden," detailing the 2015 battle for Aden, Yemen. UAE special forces, trained by NATO and the US, fought Iranian-backed Houthis to protect the strategic port. Experts Michael Knights and Jane Stokes analyze this conflict's impact on global trade and regional security.
Amplifiers:
780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Praetorians)
aspistrategist.org.au
Mapping a decade’s worth of hybrid threats targeting Australia | The Strategist
Over nine years, Australia faced 74 hybrid threats, primarily cyberattacks (35%) and information campaigns (20%), mostly from China, Russia, and Iran. These threats included economic coercion, foreign interference, and military actions. Australia's response, while strong against military threats, needs a more balanced approach using both intelligence and policy tools to deter future attacks.
Amplifiers:
Department of Defense News Releases
defense.gov
Nuclear Triad in Need of Modernization
Air Force and Navy officials testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the urgent need to modernize the nation's nuclear triad (ICBMs, bombers, and submarines) to counter growing threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and potentially Iran. Modernization efforts are crucial but face resource constraints, impacting personnel readiness. The Navy's submarine-based leg is highlighted as the most survivable.
Amplifiers:
780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Praetorians)
csis.org
Russia Conducts Largest Air Attack on Ukraine to Date
Russia launched its largest air attack on Ukraine, using over 1,000 drones and missiles, showcasing increased production and new tactics. This demonstrates a strategy of coercive airpower to gain leverage in stalled peace talks. Ukraine needs a layered defense, including improved interceptors and supply-line disruption, to counter these attacks. Russia's actions suggest that sustained violence, not concessions, will be its negotiating tool.
Amplifiers:
Army Times
armytimes.com
USS Truman conducted largest airstrike in Navy history, official says
The USS Truman's Carrier Air Wing 1 executed the Navy's largest-ever airstrike, dropping 124,000 pounds of ordnance in under two minutes on ISIS targets in Somalia. This followed extensive operations in the Red Sea against Houthi rebels, resulting in numerous casualties and significant ordnance expenditure, though also marked by several accidents and the relief of the carrier's commanding officer.
Amplifiers:
army.mil
How China Fights in Large-Scale Combat Operations
This U.S. Army document analyzes how China conducts large-scale combat operations, focusing on its operational-level strategies. Understanding China's "active defense" and "systems confrontation" approaches is crucial for U.S. Army training, doctrine, and force development to prepare for potential Indo-Pacific conflicts. The paper informs military education and improves training scenario realism.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Organizations
UAE Special Forces
United Arab Emirates military unit involved in the battle for Aden.
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, provided training to UAE special forces.
US Military
United States military, involved in training UAE special forces.
Houthi Rebels
Rebel group in Yemen opposing the UAE and allied forces.
People
Michael Knights
Author of '25 Days to Aden' and expert on Middle Eastern conflicts.
Jane Stokes
Expert on Middle Eastern security and guest on the episode.
Events
2015 Battle for Aden
A significant battle in Aden, Yemen where UAE special forces repelled Houthi rebels.
Organizations
UAE Special Forces
United Arab Emirates military unit involved in the battle for Aden.
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, provided training to UAE special forces.
US Military
United States military, involved in training UAE special forces.
Houthi Rebels
Rebel group in Yemen opposing the UAE and allied forces.
People
Michael Knights
Author of '25 Days to Aden' and expert on Middle Eastern conflicts.
Jane Stokes
Expert on Middle Eastern security and guest on the episode.
Events
2015 Battle for Aden
A significant battle in Aden, Yemen where UAE special forces repelled Houthi rebels.

Context

The 2015 battle for Aden occurred within the broader context of Yemen’s complex demographic, social, economic, and political challenges. Yemen is the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula, with a population exceeding 30 million, characterized by a young demographic profile and high population growth. The country’s social fabric is fragmented along tribal, sectarian, and regional lines, complicating governance and national unity. The Houthi movement, representing Zaidi Shia interests primarily from northern Yemen, capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction with the central government, which was weakened by corruption, economic decline, and political instability following the Arab Spring uprisings.

Economically, Yemen faces severe challenges including limited infrastructure, high unemployment, and dependence on dwindling oil revenues. The conflict has further devastated the economy, exacerbating humanitarian crises such as food insecurity and lack of access to clean water. Aden’s strategic importance lies in its location on the southern coast, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Control over this waterway is vital for international maritime trade and energy shipments, making Aden a focal point for regional and global security interests.

Politically, the battle for Aden involved a coalition led by the United Arab Emirates, supported by the US and NATO through training and intelligence, aiming to counter the Houthi advance and restore a government aligned with Saudi-led interests. The UAE’s special forces played a key role in repelling the Houthis, reflecting the broader proxy dimensions of the conflict involving regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Militarily, the conflict highlighted the challenges of asymmetric warfare, urban combat, and the involvement of non-state actors.

National security concerns extend beyond Yemen’s borders, as instability threatens maritime security, regional power balances, and counterterrorism efforts against groups like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The battle for Aden thus exemplifies the intersection of local grievances and international strategic competition in a geopolitically sensitive region.
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