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Our mission is to report on and analyse the military and geo-political issues of our time. Website: https://southfront.press/ Email: info@southfront.press
Iran Receives First Payment From Hormuz Toll, U.S. Seizes Another Tanker
Iran has collected its first revenue from tolls imposed on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for 20 percent of global oil and liquid natural gas shipments, Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei announced on April 23.
The development came just two days after United States President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan, saying it would remain in place until Tehran presents what he described as a “unified proposal.”
Earlier, Reuters revealed that the U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
A four tanker was later seized in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. The Defense Department releases video footage of American forces on the deck of the Guyana-flagged oil tanker Majestic X.
Read more HERE
Mossad Acknowledges Elite Agent ‘Mem’ Was Killed In Italy Boat Incident
An elite agent of the Israeli Mossad spy agency who died in an apparent boat accident in Italy around three years ago led operations that contributed to Israel’s recent successes against Iran, spy chief David Barnea revealed on April 21.
The agent, identifiable only by the first Hebrew letter of his name, “Mem,” was among four people who drowned when a boat capsized in Lake Maggiore in Italy’s Lombardy region
The incident took place on the evening of May 28, 2023. At the time, regional officials claimed that a “whirlwind” made the 52-foot boat overturn and sink, while Italian investigators said a sudden change in weather appeared to be the cause of the accident, ruling out any foul play.
The survivors either swam to shore or were rescued by other boats. Ten serving Israeli intelligence agents were evacuated from hospitals and put on a military plane back to Tel Aviv.
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Ukrainian Troops Go On Mutiny Near Kupyansk
In the Kupyansk area, Russian troops advanced from Pishchane to within striking distance of Novoosinove. They captured several fortifications and prisoners of war. Meanwhile, foreign mercenaries abandoned their positions following an unsuccessful counterattack.
In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian troops completely cleared Hryshyne, though its outskirts remained in a "grey zone." The advance is hindered by an abundance of Ukrainian drones.
In the Slaviansk area, Russian assault groups entered Rai-Oleksandrivka, tightening the "vice" around the village. This will soon allow them to set up artillery positions capable of reaching Slaviansk.
In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian troops entered the center of Verkhnia Tersa and are advancing between Vozdvizhevka and Verkhnia Tersa.
Read more HERE
Hezbollah Hit Israeli Troops, Shot Down Drones In Response To Violations
Hezbollah carried out several attacks on April 22 in response to ceasefire violations by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which included the murder of a journalist in southern Lebanon.
In four separate statements, the group said its fighters targeted an IDF artillery site near the town of Bayadah with a drone, launched two more drones at a Humvee armored vehicle used by Israeli officers and a gathering of Israeli troops near the town of al-Qantara, and shot down four IDF drones over the town of al-Mansouri.
The group cited a number of Israeli ceasefire violations in its statements, including a strike on the town of al-Tiri which mortally wounded Al-Akhbar journalist Amal Khalil. The IDF prevented first-responders from reaching the journalist and other wounded people for hours.
Lebanese media reported that a man was also killed in an Israeli strike on the outskirts of the town of al-Jbour in the eastern Beqaa Valley.
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Trump’s Ceasefire Could End In Three, To Five Days Or Who Knows When
The United States is giving Iran a window of three to five days to respond to a proposed deal and return to talks, or risk the collapse of the current ceasefire, Israel’s Channel 12 reported on April 22, citing three American officials.
The report was the latest in a series of contradicting news on when the ceasefire, extended by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 21, will actually end.
Another report by Channel 12 itself, citing political sources in Israel, said that the effective deadline set by Trump falls on April 26 – generally matching the reported three-to-five-day timeframe.
The reporting contrasts with an earlier Reuters report, which cited a source saying that Trump had not formally set a deadline for extending the ceasefire.
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Belgian Army Chief Says EU Uses Ukraine To Buy Time
Brussels plans to continue the conflict in Ukraine until 2030 to prepare for a military confrontation with Russia without US participation, Belgian Chief of Defense General Frederik Vansina said. In this way, the military chief has once again exposed that Ukraine is merely being used by Europe as a proxy against Russia to buy time.
“We still have several years thanks to the blood of Ukrainians, who are buying us this time,” the Belgian general said in an interview with Soir.
Iran Fired At Three Ships Near Hormuz, Seized Two
Three cargo ships were reportedly attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) In the Strait of Hormuz on April 22.
The first ship, the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, is owned by a Greek company and, according to AIS data from Marine Traffic, was not transmitting a detectable signal while crossing the strait.
Reports from both the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Vanguard Tech indicate that the ship's master had been told the vessel had permission to transit the strait. However, it was approached by an IRGC gunboat, which opened fire and caused significant damage to the bridge.
The second ship was the Panama-flagged Euphoria, which is owned by a United Arab Emirates-based company. Marine Traffic data shows that the port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is listed as its destination.
Read more HERE
Energy, Transport, Military Depots, And Air Defense Systems: Russian-Ukrainian Exchange Of Strikes On April 20–21
On the night of April 21, the Russian armed forces conducted combined strikes on targets in six regions of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian troops launched 143 unmanned aerial vehicles, of which 116 were allegedly shot down or suppressed.
The main blow fell on the Kharkiv region. The city of Bohodukhiv came under repeated attack — about 50 UAVs were launched against it over the course of 24 hours. In Krasnohrad, the Iskander operational-tactical missile system and no fewer than 20 Geran strike drones were used. Kharkiv authorities reported a strike on an administrative building. Fires were recorded in Sumy and Hlukhiv in the northeast of the country. Explosions were also heard in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Poltava regions.
Of particular note is the tactic described by Russian sources in the Zaporizhzhia region: first, drones suppressed and temporarily "blinded" Ukrainian radars, after which a strike by the Tornado-S missile system followed in the resulting blind spot. Sirens did not activate. Air defense systems and radar stations, military infrastructure, warehouses, and dual-use facilities were hit.
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Hezbollah Announces First Attack Against Israel Amid Ceasefire
Hezbollah on April 21 announced that it had carried out an attack against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in response to ceasefire violations in the first such development.
In a statement, the group said that it targeted an artillery position in the northern Israeli settlement of Kfar Giladi with a rocket barrage and suicide drones.
Earlier, the IDF said that Hezbollah violated the ceasefire by firing several rockets at Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon, as well as launching a drone at Israel.
According to the military, the group fired several rockets toward troops stationed in the Rab al-Thalathine area, within the Israeli-occupied security zone. Within a few minutes, Israeli strikes hit the launcher used in the attack.
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Military Situation In Ukraine On April 21, 2026 (Maps Update)
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Iran Copied Israel’s Spike Firefly Loitering Munitions (Video)
Iran appears to have copied the L-Spike 1x loitering munition, formerly known as the Spike Firefly, made by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The Iranian copy of the firefly appeared in a military parade that was organized by women in the capital, Tehran, on April 17 as a part of the “Sacrifice for the Homeland” campaign — an initiative meant to protest the American-Israeli war on the Islamic Republic. Video footage were shared by Al Alam TV.
The Firefly was developed to provide infantry forces with the capability to engage enemies behind cover during urban warfare.
It is unclear how Iran was able to get its hands on a Firefly. One possible scenario is that the Iranian security forces found an unexploding loitering munition of this type, or even seized an intact one during the 12-day June war of last year.
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Russian Army Began Fielding Lys-2 Interceptors (Videos)
The Russian military has begun fielding Lys-2 fixed-wing interceptor drones along the front in the special military operation zone in Ukraine, according to videos released recently.
A video that surfaced online on March 24 shows the interceptor taking down what appears to be a Chinese-made Mugin-5 fixed-wing drone modified by Kiev forces for one-way attack missions. Another from April 20, shows the interceptor hitting a Ukrainian-made FP-1 fixed-wing suicide drone.
The Lys-2 was designed to find and destroy drones. According to available information, the interceptor is designed to autonomously acquire and engage a target during the terminal phase of flight using an artificial intelligence-aided optical system with minimum if any input from the operator.
Read more HERE
Look at the reaction of the athletes
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RUSSIAN FORCES REGAIN GROUND IN KUPYANSK AS UKRAINIAN ATTACKS FADE
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Military Situation In Ukraine On April 20, 2026 (Maps Update)
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France And Poland Discuss Joint Nuclear Exercises And Boost Defense Ties
Joint military exercises between France and Poland that include elements of nuclear deterrence are a dangerous step toward further escalating tensions with Russia. These activities cannot be viewed solely as deterrence, but as provocative moves, since, as the only nuclear state in the European Union, France is trying to position itself as the leading military power in the bloc and, based on its nuclear status, acts as an equal partner in dialogue with Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the idea with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during talks in Gdansk on April 20, when the two leaders also explored closer cooperation in trade, investment, and defense.
“Among the options we will consider are information sharing, joint exercises, and the possible deployment of forces,” Macron told a joint press conference when asked about nuclear cooperation.
Tusk said that discussions on nuclear security cooperation were being held discreetly, adding that Poland had joined “an exclusive group that understands the need for European solidarity and sovereignty” by accepting France’s invitation.
👉 Read more HERE
U.S. Intercepted Three Iranian Tankers In Asian Waters
The United States military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters, Reuters reported on April 22.
The news agency cited two U.S. and Indian shipping sources, in addition to two separate Western maritime security sources.
Despite expanding the two-week ceasefire with Iran earlier in the week, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to keep a blockade on Iranian ports in place. The blockade in addition to Iran’s own restriction on navigation via the Strait of Hormuz have very much brought traffic through the strategic waterway — responsible for up to 20 percent of global oil and liquid natural gas shipments — to a halt.
In addition, efforts to hold a second round of American-Iranian talks in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, are yet to produce a result.
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Trump Claims Saving Iranian Women, Islamic Republic Denies
United States President Donald Trump on April 22 thanked Iran for purportedly scrapping the executions of eight female citizens at his request.
A day earlier, Trump claimed that the Islamic Republic was planning to hang eight women, citing an unverified post by a pro-Israel activist.
The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights, however, reported that at least two of the eight women had already been released when Trump issued the plea. In addition, Iran’s judiciary said that none of them face the death sentence.
“Very good news! I have just been informed that the eight women protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will no longer be killed,” Trump said in his latest Truth Social post. “Four will be released immediately, and four will be sentenced to one month in prison.”
DIE NOW OR LITTLE BIT LATER. UKRAINIAN MOBILIZATION CAMPAIGN REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
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In Video: Dozens Of Israeli Settlers Storm Southern Syria
Dozens of Israeli settler activists stormed southern Syria on April 22 before being escorted out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) amid complete silence from Damascus.
The activists, who called themselves the Bashan Pioneers, barricaded themselves in a building on the outskirts of the town of Hader in the governorate of al-Qunitra, and stated that they would stay there until the Israeli government approves settlements in Syria.
According to the IDF, some 40 activists traveled about half a kilometer inside Syria. Troops then took the activists back to Israel and handed them over to the police.
Hader is mainly populated by Druze. The town has been under the de facto control of the IDF since the fall of the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad more than a year ago.
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U.S. Missile Stockpiles Were Significantly Depleted By Iran War
The United States military has significantly depleted its stockpile of key missiles during the war with Iran and created a “near-term risk” of running out of ammunition in a future conflict should one arise in the next few years, CNN reported on April 21.
The report cited experts in addition to three people familiar with recent internal Defense Department stockpile assessments.
Over the last seven weeks of war, the U.S. military has expended at least 45% of its stockpile of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM); at least half of its inventory of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles, which are designed to intercept ballistic missiles; and nearly 50% of its stockpile of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles, according to a new analysis conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
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Ukraine Amasses Reserves In Izyum To Counterattack
In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops have crossed the Vovcha River in several places. They are fighting for Okhrimivka and threatening the Olkhovatka-Okhrimivka salient of Ukrainian troops. They have also advanced toward Kozacha Lopan and taken control of Veterynarne.
In the Izyum direction, Ukrainian forces are gathering in Izyum, Kapitolivka, and Oskol. They are transporting foreign mercenaries and have increased the number of drones significantly, which complicates the advance of Russian troops.
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian troops are expanding their control zone to the northwest of Oleksandrohrad. They are also advancing towards Komsomolske and Charivne and continuing to push into the defenses near Vozdvizhivka and Verkhnia Tersa.
Read more HERE
Trump Extends Ceasefire With Iran In Suspicious Move
United States President Donald Trump announced on April 21 that he is extending the ceasefire with Iran for the time being and that the US will hold off on attacking the Islamic Republic.
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said that his decision was made at the request of Pakistani mediators/
“Based on the fact that the government of Iran is seriously fractured — not unexpectedly so — and upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump said.
“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade and in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.
DRONES FLY BOTH WAYS AS RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TARGET CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
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Trump Hints U.S. Seized Weapons Sent From China To Iran
President Donald Trump said on April 21 that the United States military intercepted a ship carrying a “gift” to Iran from China.
The ship had “a gift from China” which “wasn’t very nice,” Trump told CNBC. “I was a little surprised,” he added, saying that he thought he had an “understanding” with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Trump was clearly referring to the cargo ship TOUSKA which was seized by the U.S. military on April 19 in line with the blockade imposed on Iranian ports as a response to the Islamic Republic’s restrictions on navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire at the time, with its spokesman saying that the seized vessel was en route from China.
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Inspired By Iran, North Korea Tests Cluster Ballistic Missile (Photos)
North Korea announced on April 20 that it had test-fired five short-range Hwasongpho-11 Ra tactical ballistic missiles armed with cluster warheads.
The launch was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to evaluate the missile’s warhead capability, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The purpose of the test-fire was to “verify the characteristics and power of cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead applied to the tactical ballistic missile,” the state-run news agency reported.
North Korea tested ballistic missiles armed with cluster warheads in the past, but the Iran war may have encouraged the latest tests.
Read more HERE
Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – April 21, 2026
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Russian Army Captures Key Sumy Heights
In the Sumy area, Russian forces are advancing and gradually closing the tactical "pocket" at Bilovody Ravine. They are also establishing control over the dominant heights in Mala Korchakivka.
In the Kharkiv area, the "North" grouping's assault groups advanced up to 600 meters along nine sections, clearing forested areas near the state border in the Bochkove area and fighting in the Pokaliane area.
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are seeking to regain full control of Chasiv Yar and expand their presence in Novodmytrivka. This would enable them to attack the supply routes of Ukrainian units in the center of Kostiantynivka.
In the Dobropillia area, units of the "Center" grouping continue their offensive toward Dobropillia.
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Iran Still Has Majority Of Its Missiles
United States intelligence assessments have suggested that Iran likely still has access to around 70 percent of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpiles, and around 60 percent of its missile launchers, The New York Times reported on April 18.
According to the Times, when a two-week ceasefire came into effect between Iran and the United States on April 8, the Islamic Republic had access to around half of its ballistic missile launchers.
Since then, the report said it has managed to dig out another 100 launchers from under the ground, bringing the total of operational missile launchers to around 60% of the pre-war total.
There have been already multiple reports of Iran digging up missiles and launchers, and just last week U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this.
Read more HERE
Four Israeli Merkava Tanks Destroyed By Hezbollah Roadside Bombs
Hezbollah on April 20 took responsibility for an explosive device that detonated on an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) armored vehicle in southern Lebanon a day earlier.
In a statement, the group said that a convoy of eight Israeli armored vehicles driving between Taybeh and Deir Siryan was hit by a “series of explosive devices planted earlier” previously planted by its members.
The incident came three days into a ten-day ceasefire in Lebanon that was announced by United States President Donald Trump.
This was not, however, the first such incident. An Israeli reservist was killed, and three other soldiers were wounded after being hit by an explosive device planted by Hezbollah members in the town of Jebbayn in southern Lebanon on the very first day of the ceasefire.
Read more HERE