Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, national security, and global conflicts.
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. The past few days saw significant attention given to the rescue of two F-15E Strike Eagle aviators that were shot down over Iran. The Army Chief of Staff was fired by Secretary Hegseth. Training events with SOF partners in Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world continue. Operation Epic Fury is entering its second month, and attempts to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict are not gaining traction. The Ukraine conflict continues with no major battlefield changes over the past several weeks, and decisive shifts are anticipated in the near term.
Photo / Image: East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) conduct maritime training with Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, Cyprus on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class William Carlisle)
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SOF News
SOF Integration with Conventional Forces. A major theme that will define special operations forces’ success in the near future will be how well it integrates with new business processes, new technologies, and with conventional forces. The new technologies include cyber, space, artificial intelligence, and autonomy and SOF must learn to integrate these technologies into their world. New business practices will help in integrating new technologies into the SOF world – more rapidly than before. Read more in an article by Dean Hoffman and Joe Mariani – “Integration Will Define Special Operators’ Future Success”, National Defense Magazine, March 30, 2026.
“Operation Thunderhead”. An aborted POW rescue mission cost the life of a Navy SEAL off the coast of North Vietnam. In April 1972, a UDT-SEAL team detachment began a mission to rescue two POWs that would attempt to steal a boat after escaping from the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”. “Operation Thunderhead: The Last SEAL Team Mission of the Vietnam War”, The Navy SEAL Museum Blog, April 2026.
U.S. and partner-nation special operations forces conducted Exercise Flintlock 2026 planning and interoperability activities involving more than 30 countries focused on counterterrorism coordination across the Sahel region. The host nations for Flintlock will be Libya and Cote d’Ivoire. The exercise will be focused on CT interoperability, intelligence sharing, civil-military coordination, and partner force development.
Train the Green Berets to be “Warrior-Teachers”. The U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) Regiment should strongly consider making “method of instruction” (MOI) a more prominent aspect of entry-level Green Berets’ education to remain competitive within the irregular warfare domain. The crux of the problem is that aspiring Green Berets attending the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) receive only a small block of instruction concerning MOI. In basic terms, MOI is a type of activity used in conjunction with an instructional strategy to facilitate the accomplishment of specific learning objectives. “Proficient at Irregular Warfare? Time to Emphasize ‘Method of Instruction’ in the U.S. Army Special Forces Regiment”, by Dr. Daniel W. Ross, Special Warfare Journal, March 30, 2026.
U.S. special operations advisors recently supported Ecuadorian security forces in counter-narcotics operations targeting FARC dissident networks along the Colombia–Ecuador border under Joint Task Force Southern Spear. U.S. SOF provided IAR, targeting intelligence, operational planning , and advisory support to Ecuadorian forces in early March 2026.
CA JCET with Cameroon’s BIR. The 91st Civil A ffairs Battalion conducted a Civil Affairs Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) with the elite Bataillon d’intervention rapide (BIR) in Garoua, Cameroon in March 2026. The training event is part of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) efforts to strengthen partner capacity in irregular warfare environments across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, where violent extremist organizations and cross-border criminal networks operate. The BIR is widely considered Cameroon’s premier counterterrorism and rapid reaction force. It was established in 1999 as an elitte light infantry formation.
Exercise Unified Partners. Elements of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently trained with partner units in Lithuania in February 2026. Civil Affairs Team 0722 took part in the exercise as well. Partner units were from Norway and included members of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Griffin Brigade and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.
NATO’s large-scale Exercise Steadfast Dart 2026 incorporated special operations components designed to test rapid deployment and integration within the Alliance’s Allied Reaction Force. “NATO and allies test rapid deployment across Europe”, UK Defence Journal, March 13, 2026.
U.S. and Nigerian military cooperation expanded through counterterrorism training deployments aimed at strengthening partner capability against extremist groups operating across the Sahel and West Africa. “Nigeria – US Military Cooperation and the Challenge of Containing Sahel Instability”, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), April 4, 2026.
U.S. Pararescue Force. U.S. Air Force Pararescue is widely considered one of the most demanding career fields in the military. Some PJs were involved in the recovery of the F-15E Strike Eagle crew over Iran in recent days. Pararescuemen are medically trained and capable of operating in austere jungle, arctic, desert, and maritime environments. The training pipeline is demanding and lasts nearly two years. It has a broad and brutal curriculum: combat diving, mountain climbing, free-fall parachuting, SERE, and paramedic certification. “Behind the US Air Force unit that spearheaded the mission to rescue downed airman”, by Amichai Stein, The Jerusalem Post, April 5, 2026.
SOAA Partners with Indiana Wesleyan University. Special operations forces personnel can join an educational opportunity that leads to degrees. The Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) is joining forces with Indiana Wesleyan University for a unique program that leads to a variety of degree paths. Read more in “SOF Members Earn Degrees Faster Through New Partnership”, SOAA, April 1, 2026.
Swedish SF Board Russian Tanker. On April 3, 2026, Swedish special forces seized/detained a Russian oil tanker off their coast called the FLORA 1. The vessel was released by Swedish authorities after investigators determined there was insufficient evidence linking the vessel to the suspected oil spill in the Baltic Sea. The vessel is believed to be part of the Russian “shadow fleet” used to transport oil outside Western sanctions regimes. The ship has been changing names and flags multiple times, a common practice among sanction-evading tankers. The FLORA 1 case reflects a broader Western effort to increase pressure on Russia’s maritime sanction-evasion networks.
SOF History
On April 10, 1952, The Psychological Warfare Center was established at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. “Its origins can be found in the Psychological Warfare (PSYWAR) Division of the Army General School, Fort Riley, Kansas in 1950. In 1952 the center was formed on “Smoke Bomb Hill” at FBNC. The PSYWAR Center consisted of the Psychological Warfare School, the 6th Radio Broadcast & Leaflet Group, and the 10th Special Forces Group.” https://specialforcestraining.info/swcs.htm
On April 11, 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially authorized the Green Beret for U.S. Army Special Forces, calling it “a symbol of excellence . . . a badge of courage”.
https://www.specialforceshistory.info/culture/green-beret.html
On April 12, 1963, the 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was established at Fort Gulick, Panama Canal Zone. The unit was responsible for special operations and counterinsurgency training for the Latin America region.
https://www.specialforceshistory.info/groups/8sfga.html
On April 9, 1987, the Special Forces Branch was established. While the first Special Forces unit was formed on June 11, 1952, the official branch was not established until 35 years later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Special_Forces
On April 13, 1987 President Reagan approved the establishment of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq begins on April 13, 1991.
https://sof.news/history/operation-provide-comfort-iraq-1991/
https://iraqwarnews.info/pc/provide-comfort.html
National Security and Commentary
CRS Report – Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF). The Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) is the Army’s self-described “organization centerpiece” of the effort to operate in a multi-domain (air, land, water, space, cyber, information) environment, requiring new operational concepts, technologies, weapons, and units. The Congressional Research Service has updated CRS IF11797, a document that explains the Army’s MDTF – to include a brief description, organization, locations, and initiatives. (30 Mar 2026).
Top Army General Fired. U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has been asked to step down and retire immediately by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who is currently the Army’s vice chief of staff, will be the service’s acting chief of staff. “Hegseth asks Army’s top general to retire immediately as Iran war rages”, Military Times, April 2, 2026.
In addition, General David Hodne, a former Army Ranger and Special Forces officer who leads the service’s Transformation and Training Command is on the way out. Hodne was branched as SF, served in several SF assignments. He commanded the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and has extensive operational experience in Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is widely regarded as a Special Forces-grounded general officer with career emphasis on irregular warfare, multinational SOF cooperation, security force assistance, and the European and African theater of operations.
Purge at the Pentagon. Tom Nichols writes about how Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seems to be fighting a ‘culture war’ while his generals are busy fighting ‘real wars’. “Hegseth’s War on America’s Military“, The Atlantic, April 2, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
F-15E Strike Eagle Aviators Recovered. On Friday, a fighter jet was shot down while flying over southwest Iran. Within hours, a Personnel Recovery Task Force element rescued the pilot. On Saturday evening, the weapons systems officer was rescued. (SOF News) It was a complex operation involving many aircraft and personnel. Not everything went ‘perfect’ – the total rescue of the two aviators cost one A-10, one HC-130J, one MC-130J, and at least one MH-6 helicopter.
Tuesday Designated as “Special Day”. President Trump revealed in a post on Truth Social that Tuesday will be celebrated as “Power Plant Day” and “Bridge Day”. This will take place if Iran does not accept the current peace (or truce) proposal that the administration has placed on the negotiating table. Thus far, the Iranians have rejected a U.S. proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary cease-fire. Mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are trying to get Iran to consider the proposal. Iran has indicated that they do not wish to meet with American officials in Islamabad.
References for Epic Fury:
Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury, Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, maps, ISW interactive map, OEFU Casualties, and CRS reports.
Ukraine Conflict
Summary. Over the past seven days, Russia has intensified large-scale drone and glide bomb strikes against Ukrainian cities, causing civilian casualties and continued damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the incoming systems. Ukraine has expanded long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil terminals and industrial facilities, including repeated attacks on Baltic export infrastructure. Fighting along the front remains largely positional, with only limited territorial changes reported as Russian forces continue pressure along eastern sectors while preparing for spring offensive activity. Despite high operational tempo, neither side is achieving decisive operational breakthroughs. Each side continues to rely on large quantities of unmanned systems, with ground drones playing an ever-larger role in the conflict.
Russian Influence Network in Africa. A group of Russian agents that specialize in disinformation operations has been carrying out a vast propaganda campaign against the Ukrainian embassy in Ivory Coast. Leaked documents from “the company”, with headquarters in St. Petersburg, revealed how over 90 Russian operatives were working disinformation operations in nearly 30 countries in Africa and Latin America. The company’s “Africa Project” had tasks such as supporting political leaders and organizations loyal to Russia, discredit American and French influence, and promote narratives that cast Ukraine in an unfavorable light. “How a Russian influence network is spreading anti-Ukrainian propaganda in Ivory Coast”, France24.com, March 4, 2026.
- References:
- Weapons of Ukraine, Study of War Daily Report, Euromaiden Press Daily Report, Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (UNCN).
- Maps: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Institute for the Study of War and Critical Threats, Ukraine Maps by National Security Info, War in Ukraine by Scribble Maps.
SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.
Around the World
The Arctic Hotspot. Robert Wihtol writes about how Russia is the dominant power in the Arctic, with military bases on the Kola Peninsula, the Northern Fleet, and more than 50 military installations along its Arctic coastline. He provides a synopsis of a recent book entitled Polar War along with some interesting information on the Arctic region. “Bookshelf: the Arctic is the new global hotspot”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, April 2, 2026.
CRS Report – Terrorist and Other Militant Groups in Pakistan. The Congressional Research Service has updated CRS IF11934, a document that describes the various militant groups found in Pakistan and from neighboring countries. (25 Mar 2026) https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11934
Plight of Afghan Women. Since the rise of the Taliban in August 2021, women in Afghanistan have seen access to educational, work, and medical opportunities closed down. Under the Taliban the possibility of a better future is very dim. Malala Yousafzai, an acclaimed women’s rights advocate and Nobel laureate, recently spoke at a Harvard Law School event where she described the plight of women under Taliban rule. Read more (and watch a video as well) in “Afghan women should not be alone in this”, Harvard Law Today, March 26, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Army Magazine. The April 2026 issue by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is now posted online. https://www.ausa.org/issues/army-magazine-vol-76-no-4-april-2026
Sentinel. Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association has posted its monthly journal online. Some of the topics include SFA Valor Luncheon, Swift Boats, Life as a Special Forces Recruiter, Son Tay Raid, Special Forces Association 2026, and the FULRO uprising of 1965 in Vietnam.
Video – Inside the Insane F-15 WSO Rescue in Iran by U.S. Special Operations Forces. Eyes on Geopolitics, YouTube, April 5, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw9OacECjKc
Upcoming Events
April 9, 2026
Honorfest Benefit Concert
Honor Foundation Bartonville, TX
April 10-12, 2026
Best Ranger Competition
Fort Benning, GA
April 11, 2026
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Montgomery, TX & virtual
April 23, 2026
2026 New York City Benefit Dinner
Navy SEAL Foundation
New York, NY
April 25, 2026
Live Oak Bank Spring Clays Classic
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Rocky Point, NC
April 26, 2026
4th Annual Annapolis Frogman Swim
Navy SEAL Foundation
Annapolis, MD
April 27 – May 1, 2026
SOMA 2026 – Raleigh, NC
Special Operations Medical Association
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