Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, national security and defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: Marine Raiders assigned to U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command enter the water during joint maritime training as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Sydney, Australia, July 11, 2025. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation, advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Rowe)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes key developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security over the past seven days. The reporting period reflects continued operational activity related to the Iran conflict, ongoing strategic competition dynamics, and evolving irregular warfare trends. Venezuela has faded from the news, Iran is lasting longer than desired, Cuba apparently is a slow burn, and Greenland is still on Trumps mind.
Operation Epic Fury continues with peace talks maybe or maybe not for Tuesday. An Iranian-flagged cargo ship tried to avoid the U.S. Naval blockade and ends up with a hole in the engine room; U.S. has taken control of the ship. The Ukraine conflict continues with more technological advances in autonomous warfare but little gain on the ground.
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Key Outlooks
- UAS proliferation continues to compress the cost curve between offense and defense.
- NATO activity in the Arctic continues to prioritize SOF mobility and cold weather persistent capabilities.
- Russia’s operational approach in Ukraine remains attritional, favoring incremental territorial gains over maneuver warfare.
- Strategic competition framing increasingly emphasizes AI-enabled ISR and decision advantage.
- U.S.-Iran ceasefire ends on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
- Second round of talks scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Iran may not show.
SOF News
SOF: Optimized for Irregular Competition. Emina Urnarov believes that US SOF are increasingly evaluated for readiness using conventional readiness frameworks. SOF is currently posturing between two goals; being able to support conventional forces in strategic competition and engagement in irregular competition. This article argues that military leaders must optimize SOF primarily for irregular competition by decoupling SOF employment from conventional readiness cycles, and institutionalizing disciplined mission selection. “Redefining Readiness: Why US Special Operations Must be Optimized for Irregular Competition”, Small Wars Journal, April 16, 2026.
Psychedelic Drugs Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation. The White House issued an executive order that will pave the way for the use of psychedelic drugs for treatment for mental mental illness. This is a very welcome development for veterans seeking treatment. Many have opted for treatment outside of the United States, so this step by the White House will be helpful to many veterans. This new development will hopefully have the effect of reducing veteran suicide. “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness”, The White House, April 18, 2026.
Commando Hall of Fame. U.S. Special Operations Command inducted 10 special operators into the Commando Hall of Honor on April 15, 2026. The Commando Hall of Honor preserves the legacy of elite operators spanning generations of modern special operations forces. Posthumous awards went to four Medal of Honor recipients: U.S. Army Col. Roger H.C. Donlon, U.S. Air Force Col. Bernard F. Fisher, U.S. Army Col. Ola L. Mize, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Clyde A. Thomason. Additional inductees included retired U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, retired U.S. Army Col. William J. Coultrup, retired U.S. Army Col. Donald E. Plater, and retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford. “USSOCOM marks 39th Anniversary with Commando Hall of Honor Induction”, DVIDS, April 15, 2026.
F3EAD and SOF. F3EAD: Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyse, Disseminate. It is an acronym known and widely used within special operations. It’s kinetic and sequential, and that surface simplicity is its power: it bundles the life-cycle of a target from awareness to actionable intelligence into a flexible workflow. In practice, F3EAD is both a targeting doctrine and a mental model that helps intelligence and operational teams move faster while preserving analytic rigour and legal/ethical guardrails. “F3EAD: SOF Specific Targeting in the Intellligence Cycle”, by Gabriel Fanelli, Grey Dynamics, April 15, 2026.
Trump Remarks about Joe Kent. The former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigned on March 17, 2026. He resigned in protest (Kent letter) against the Trump administrations decision to initiate war with Iran, stating that Iran posed no imminent threat. Kent is a retired Green Beret. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, President Trump posted some very unflattering remarks (Trump remarks) about Kent on Truth Social.
Delta Force Selection. George Hand details the beginnings of his military service – as an infantryman, volunteering for Airborne School, and ever-increasing challenges. He would eventually find himself in Delta. But first, there was selection. Read more in “Delta Force Selection Nearly Destroyed Me”, SOFREP, April 14, 2026. (subscription)
TSOCs and Bureaucracy. Some Theater Special Operations Commands tend to be more bureaucratic than others. Rather than having a primary focus of synchronizing resources and activities to support broader campaign goals some TSOCs are putting tactical elements under constant observation and interfering with the ‘on the ground’ mission. The operational effectiveness of TSOCs hinges on the right balance between scrutiny and synchronization. A deliberate shift in TSOC culture and processes is required to prioritize synchronization while retaining the necessary safeguards of oversight. “The Impact of Synchronization vs. Scrutinization in TSOC Operations”, Special Warfare Journal, April 10, 2026.
Cartels and SOF. Emerging technologies are reshaping how nonstate armed actors generate revenue and project power, emphasizing that “new technologies…are eroding the traditional benefits and reasons for holding territory.” Technological transformation among Transnational Criminal Organizations and extremist networks is a global trend. For SOCSOUTH and USSOCOM, these trends demand a recalibration of how USSOF conceptualize foreign internal defense, intelligence gathering, and operational design in the Western Hemisphere. “The New Battlespace: Cartels, Technology, and the Future of SOF in the Americas”, Small Wars Journal, April 16, 2026.
Concealed Carry and SOF. Congressman Pat Harrigan, a former Green Beret, has introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act. The legislation will extend federal concealed carry authority to both serving and veteran SOF personnel whose firearms training and marksmanship standards match or exceed those of retired law enforcement officers. For the purpose of the bill current or former servicemembers with verified service in Army Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Reconnaissance Marines, MARSOC operators, and Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, TACP, and Special Operations Weather experience.
International SOF
Israel’s Unit 669 is the country’s elite aerial rescue squad tasked with preparing for high-stakes operations similar to the recent rescue of the crew of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran (SOF News). Unit 669 was established in 1974 in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War and tasked with rescuing downed pilots in enemy territory. Its mandate has now grown to extracting wounded soldiers, and, at times, save hikers, car crash victims, and others that need to be lifted out of harm’s way. With only a few dozen completing its grueling training pipeline each year it is one of Israel’s most elite units. “After US rescues airmen in Iran, commando opens up about IDF’s own daring extractions”, The Times of Israel, April 17, 2026.
Flintlock 26. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) is conducting its annual SOF exercise in Africa in two countries this year; Cote d’Ivoire and Libya. Over 30 countries are participating.
BEIR and COFEN SOF. The 7th Special Forces Group is in Guatemala training host country special operations forces in a number of skill areas.
SOF History
ANZAC Day is observed on April 25 each year. This day recognizes the Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations around the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day
On April 30, 1945, Col Darby was killed in action.
On April 28, 1965, the U.S. invaded the Dominican Republic.
On April 30, 1972, MACV-SOG was disbanded.
On April 30, 1975, Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, concluded bringing an end to the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4134061/a-look-back-at-operation-frequent-wind-50-years-later/
In April 1979, Operation Eagle Claw, a U.S. special operations attempt to rescue U.S. hostages in Iran, failed. https://sof.news/history/operation-eagle-claw/
The Iranian Embassy siege took place from April 30 to May 5, 1980. A group of six armed Arab men stormed the Iranian Embassy in London. They took 26 hostages – demanding safe passage out of the United Kingdom and the release of Arab prisoners in Khuzestan Province, Iran. On the sixth day the armed men killed a hostage and threw his body out of the embassy. Shortly afterward the elite Special Air Service conducted Operation Nimrod to rescue the remaining hostages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Embassy_siege
On April 21, 1989. Col James N. “Nick” Rowe was assassinated in the Manila, Philippines. He was an American prisoner of war that escaped captivity during the Vietnam War after being held for five years. He helped establish the US Army Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training program at Fort Bragg. He was killed by a unit of the New People’s Army in the Philippines.
National Security and Commentary
Political Warfare – U.S. Needs to Do More of It. David Maxwell, a retired Special Forces officer, argues that Russia and China conduct political warfare as a matter of routine. Political warfare sits in the gray zone between peace and war, is a constant state, and is the normal condition of competition among states. However, the United States operates with a government that is designed for restraint, which makes it difficult to conduct political warfare. Read more in “Why is America afraid to conduct political warfare?”, UPI, April 13, 2026.
A-10s and CSAR Future. As the A-10s are slowly phased out the future of combat search and rescue (CSAR) remains uncertain. In the late 1970s, the A-10 Thunderbolt picked up the CSAR mission. The A-10 offered excellent loiter time, survivability, and firepower suitable for the mission. (Defense News, 16 April 2026)
MV-75 FLRAA: “Cheyenne II”. The U.S. Army announced today that its next-generation multi-role vertical lift aircraft, the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, will carry the Native American name “Cheyenne II”. According to an Army Acquisition Executive representative, the key attributes of the MV-75 – speed, reach, lethality, and adaptability – are representative of the Cheyenne people. (Soldier Systems, April 16, 2026)
Report – U.S. Space Force. The Congressional Research Service has updated its pub on the U.S. Space Force. Provides info on why the Space Force was created, its mission and functions, organization, budget, acquisition programs, and more. (CRS IF12610, April 17, 2026)
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12610
Greenland – Still on the Horizon. President Trump had a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo, the Global Markets Editor for Fox Business Network (FBN). He stated: “Look at Greenland. We should have Greenland to protect the world from Russian and China.”
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
More Talks? President Trump said that U.S. negotiators will head to Pakistan on Monday for talks with Iran. It appears that the principle negotiators for the U.S. on Tuesday will be VP Vance, Steve Witkoff (real estate developer), and Jared Kushner (son-in-law). (The Washington Post, April 19, 2026, subscription)
Time will tell if the Iranian negotiating team will show. It will be interesting to see who will be present on the Iran side; as there is movement within the Iranian leadership on who is actually calling the shots. According to open-source reporting, the Iranians have said they are a ‘no go’ for the second round of talks.
Iranian Leadership. The air and missile strikes of Israel and the United States decimated the top civilian and military leadership of Iran. These ‘newly opened’ positions were quickly filled with second or third tier members of the regime and military. However, there was a change in business in Iran at the highest levels. The Islamic Revolutinary Guards Corps (IRGC) consolidated its position and assumed greater control over Iran’s military responses as well as Iran’s negotiating position and approach in the response to the United States. The pragmatists were replaced by hardliners. (Institute for the Study of War, April 18, 2026)
Truce Violations and Threats. President Trump said that Iran was violating the terms of the ceasefire, citing the incident of Iranian boats firing on an Indian oil tanker. He once again threatened Iran’s power plants and bridges if there was no deal.
“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”
Merops Interceptor Drones. Ukrainian Merops drones have effectively countered Iranian Shahed-136 drone attacks against U.S. positions in the Middle East. Initially used in Ukraine, the Merops interceptors have been deployed to protect U.S. troops. Each of the Merops drones cost about $15,000, significantly less than the $30,000 to $50,000 cost of the Shaheds – providing a favorable cost ratio. With increased production of the Merops the cost per drone could go down to $3,000. Read more in “Cheap Interceptor Drones Proven in Ukraine Protected U.S. Troops Against Iranian Shaheds”, The War Zone, April 16, 2026.
Iranian Cargo Ship Seized. U.S. forces conducted the first ship boarding since the naval blockade took effect on Monday, April 13, as part of President Trump’s effort to exert pressure on Tehran. Trump commented on the incident in a Truth Social post:
“The U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS SPRUANCE intercepted the Touska in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop. Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel.”
The U.S. Central Command provided six hours of warnings to the Iranian -flagged cargo vessel to stop. Finally the USS Spruance (DDG 111) repeatedly warned the M/V Touska to evacuate its engine room. Three rounds were fired from the destroyers 5-inch MK 45 Gun. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of Okinawa, Japan took control of the vessel. The Touska is owned by an Iranian company that the U.S. has accused of procuring material for Tehran’s ballistic missile program. CENTCOM, April 19, 2026. (video) and The Washington Post (subscription)
Lebanon. Israeli military published a map on Sunday delineating a buffer zone in southern Lebanon that it called a “forward defense line.” There are five Israeli military brigades operating in those areas to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure.
- References for Epic Fury:
- Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury, Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, Kharq Island, maps, ISW interactive map, OEFU Casualties, and CRS reports.
Intel, IO, Cyber, AI, IW, Technology
Spy Powers Act Gets Extension. On Friday the Senate pass a 10-day extension of the nation’s warrantless spy powers. The verbiage in question is Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
ISA. The Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), the 1st Capabilities Integration Group (Airborne), or simply The Activity is a component of the US Army and acts as a dedicated intelligence group for JSOC. ISA has gone by many names over the years but its current one is not public knowledge.An informative article. “ISA: Soldier Spies of the Intelligence Support Activity”, by Samuel Longstreth, Grey Dynamics, March 25, 2026.
NRO. This essay about the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) explaines what the NRO is, the mission, history, organization, and current role within the U.S. intelligence community. “The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO): Watching From Above”, by Alec Smith, Grey Dynamics, April 16, 2026. See also National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
Ukraine Conflict
Operational Update. Over the past week there has not been much gained or lost on the ground in Ukraine. Daily Russian losses remain high. This is the time of year that the Russians are gearing up for the waves of spring and summer offensive efforts. February and March efforts by the Russians yielded little results.
Ukraine’s SBU’s Alpha unit says it hit three Russian warships in occupied Crimea. Two landing ships and a third were attacked. Additional targets it included a Mys-M1 radar and fuel tanks.
Ukraine’s Fortress Belt. The Institute for the Study of War has put together a comprehensive study of an area of frontline in eastern Ukraine that is the cornerstone of the military defense of Ukraine. If the Russians took this area of eastern Ukraine the areas west would be very vulnerable to maneuver warfare. However, it appears that the Ukrainians are dug in so well in this area that it is unlikely to take the defensive enclave any time soon. Read more in “The Importance of Ukraine’s Fortress Belt: Geospatial Intelligence Terrain Analysis”, ISW, April 14, 2026.
Ukraine’s Drone Line. Ukraine established five UAS regiments and brigades which are reinforcing the maneuver brigades on the front line. These UAS units are assigned to the newly formed Unmanned Systems Forces. These units are supposed to operate deep in enemy territory with a “kill zone” from 10 15 kilometers beyond the front lines. Other UAS units are supporting brigade operations closer to the front line.
Russian Oil Sanctions Put Aside. The United States had extended the moratorium on sanctions on Russian oil for another month. This means Russia will be making millions and millions of dollars to fund its war on Ukraine. The US is trying to dampen the anxiety of the global oil market. Russian oil exports by sea have fallen off due to Ukraine stepping up its long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure and ports.
USV-Launched Interceptor Drone. The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) employed an unmanned surface vessel (USV)-launched interceptor drone to intercept a Russian Shahed long-range strike drone for the first time and are creating USF naval drone battalions. (Institute for the Study of War, April 19, 2026).
Ukraine’s Army and Soviet Legacy. The past few years has witnessed a rapid expansion of Ukraine’s army but also changes that have brought about a more effective army. “Ukraine’s army evolves under fire, with new units challenging Soviet legacy”, Associated Press, April 16, 2026.
Putin and Ukraine. Oleksandr Sukhobrus describes that many military, diplomatic, and economic losses that Russia has gained over the past four years. Read more in “Putin’s Obsession with Ukraine”, Small Wars Journal, April 17, 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
Countering the Houthis. Erin K. McFee and Gillian Gordon of the Corioli Institute provide a way forward for the United States to engage with the Houthis. They argue that Washington “should treat force as one tool within a broader political and economic strategy.” The Houthis has sustained themselves through a pipeline of Iranian-supplied missiles, drones, and targeting support. The group has emerged as one of Iran’s most important asymmetric assets that threaten maritime commerce. The U.S. should ensure that any renewed use of force is tightly embedded in a broader effort of economic hardening, supply-chain interaction, and locally rooted governance support. “How to Counter the Houthis Without Strengthening Them”, War on the Rocks, April 17, 2026.
Withdrawal from Syria. U.S. troops have completed their withdrawal from Syria after handing over their remaining bases to government forces. This ends a decade-long presence of U.S. military forces in Syria. U.S. Special Forces and other units advised, assisted, and equipped the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – a mostly Kurdish force.
Israeli Ambassador to Somaliland. The Horn of Africa and beyond are fretting about Israel’s appointment of ambassador for the breakaway part of Somalia. The appointment was strongly condemned by Somalia (NSI) government officials. The U.S. also has warm ties with Somaliland – a ‘country’ that is actively engaged in targeting jihadists in the Horn of Africa.
Afghanistan Report The Department of Defense has completed its substantive phase of its interviews with senior military and civilian leaders for the Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel. The panel’s purpose is to identify failures in decision-making. The panel is now integrating the massive documentary record, cross-referencing prior reviews, and preparing findings and recommendations. The final report will be delivered in the coming months. This is yet one more “final” report on Afghanistan; and like the others will provide a “new” perspective.
Reports, Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Report – Biometric Technologies and Global Security. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that describes how biometric technologies are being used today, how biometrics will be used in the future, and where biometrics could fail. CRS IF11783, April 16, 2026.
Report – Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) System. The Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) System is a mobile, ground-based weapon system designed to defeat cruise missiles, uncrewed aircraft systems, and rocket, artillery, and mortars. Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12421, April 16, 2026.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12421
Book Review – Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind. Luke M. Herrington reviews Annalee Newitz book about information warfare. The book probes the relationship between psychology, advertising, and the emergence of psychological warfare. E-International Relations, April 11, 2026.
Video – Kurdish Military Support to US Operations. Dr. Matt Cancian, a Marine veteran and associate professor at the Naval War College, spent time in the field with Kurdish fighters. Matt talks about his time in Kurdistan and the relationship between the Kurds and the U.S. The video host and Matt also discussed the possible contribution Iranian Kurds could make in the war in Iran. WarVector, April 17, 2026, 51 minutes. https://www.warvector.com/p/episode-198kurdish-military-support
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