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[l] at 4/29/25 8:08am
File image. A large blast rocked the production hall of a company allegedly affiliated with Irans top security body and drone industries in the central city of Isfahan on April 29. Initially, the regional director of the Emergency Management Department of Isfahan Province announced that one person was killed and two others sustained burns as a result of the blast at the production hall of the Ava Nar Parsian Chemical Industries company. Later, Iranian media reported that the death toll rose to two. Iranian authorities are yet to reveal the cause of the deadly blast, which came just three days after a powerful explosion hit the Shahid Rajaei port in the city of Bandar Abbas had risen to at least 70, with more than 1,200 people injured. Ava Nar Parsian Chemical Industries, according to its website, manufactures fireworks and gunpowder and operates under the supervision of Iran’s National Security Council, the country’s highest decision-making body on sensitive security matters. Citing the official company filings, Iran International, a London-based Persian-language news channel with links to the Iranian opposition, reported that certain decisions at Ava Nar Parsian Chemical Industries fall under the authority of the Intelligence Protection Organization for Weapons and Ammunition Management of Isfahan Province. The company is licensed to produce, trade, import, and export commercial, industrial, and chemical explosives, according to the channel. In addition, British newspaper The Guardian reported in the past that the same complex where the blast took place housed the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, a key player in the Islamic Republic’s drone program with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Two days earlier, the head of the Islamic Republic’s Infrastructure Communications Company said that the country foiled a massive cyber attack on its infrastructure. The latest events, which took place amid indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States may have been the result of sabotage by Israel. For years now, Israeli intelligence has been waging a covert war against Iran, targeting the military and civilian infrastructure of the country. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Iran Says It Foiled Massive Cyber Attack Days After Deadly Port Blast Chemicals Used In Rocket Fuel Exploded In Iranian Port After Massive Fire – Report   The post Deadly Blast Reported At Alleged Defense Facility In Iran’s Isfahan appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Security]

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[l] at 4/29/25 7:48am
Illustrative Image Ukrainian military sources have recently reported the deployment of a new Russian loitering munition, dubbed Banderol (Parcel) striking targets in Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions since mid-April 2025. The drone reportedly poses a significant threat due to its high speed, explosive payload, and evasive flight profile, outpacing even the widely used Geran UAVs. According to Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), the Banderol is a jet-powered kamikaze UAV, capable of reaching speeds between 400–500 km/h, making it difficult to intercept with conventional anti-aircraft guns or small arms. It can be distinguished by howling engine noise. While exact specifications remain unknown, Ukrainian analysts suggest the drone may function as a hybrid between a loitering munition and a guided missile, possibly derived from modified FAB glide bombs with jet propulsion. Its warhead is believed to be larger than that of the Geran, though its precise destructive capacity and operational range are still unknown. Russian forces have reportedly integrated the Banderol into mixed-wave strikes, deploying it alongside Geran, Gerbera (decoys turned into attack drones), and Parodiya electronic warfare UAVs. This tactic appears designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, with the high-speed Banderol serving as the primary penetrator. Ukrainian air defense units have struggled to counter the new threat, as the drone’s velocity exceeds the engagement capabilities of MANPADS and some short-range systems. The lack of detailed technical intelligence suggests that few, if any, Banderoil drones have been successfully shot down so far.   document.createElement('video'); https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/odessa-2-1-1.mp4Download video   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/odessa-1-1-1.mp4Download video   According to local reports, the Russian military used some new UAVs in the night attack in Odessa on April 22nd. The UAVs supposed to be upgraded Geran-3 UAVs. LINK These could also be the so-called Banderol reported by the Ukrainian military. If confirmed, the introduction of the new UAV underscores Russia’s continued innovation in drone warfare, particularly in long-range strikes against logistical hubs, strategic infrastructure, and military-industrial sites. Its focus on Odessa aligns with Moscow’s campaign to disrupt Ukraine’s military supply routes and naval capabilities. Ukrainian officials have admitted that the new UAV is more dangerous than the Geran, citing its speed and payload as key challenges. Meanwhile, Russian sources have hinted at further upgrades to their drone fleet, including Geran UAVs with 90 kg warheads and real-time video transmission for precision targeting. For Ukraine, countering this threat will likely require accelerated deployment of electronic warfare systems and faster interceptor drones. With no signs of the aerial duel slowing, the skies over Ukraine remain a critical battleground in this protracted war. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Night of Drones: Russia and Ukraine Exchange Mass Strikes Ahead of Ceasefire Russian Forces Expand Kharkiv Front with Victories Near Kupyansk The post Russia Deploys New High-Speed Banderol Kamikaze Drone Report appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FOOTAGE, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, #strikes, russia, uav, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/29/25 6:14am
Illustrative Image In the early hours of April 29, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged waves of drone attacks against each other’s territories, marking one of the largest aerial exchanges in recent days. The strikes targeted military-industrial sites, airfields, and frontline positions, underscoring the intensifying drone warfare as both sides prepare for a three-day ceasefire set to begin on May 8. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported intercepting 37 Russian Geran-type drones and 47 decoy UAVs, out of 100 UAVs launched from Russian territory, including Kursk, Millerovo, Orel, Bryansk, and Crimea. The strikes primarily targeted Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kyiv regions, with Ukrainian mobile fire teams and electronic warfare systems engaging the drones. Despite Ukraine’s claims of high interception rates, Russian drones were recorded heavily damaging critical infrastructure. Over the past day alone, Russian strikes were recorded in: Donbass Sumy region Kharkiv region Zaporozhie region Kherson region Chernomorsk, Vilkovo in Odessa region Cherkassy region Kyiv, Vyshgorod in Kyiv region Dnipro, Sinelnikovo, Pavlograd in Dnipropetrovsk region Kremenchug, Mirgorod, Globino in Poltava region.   document.createElement('video'); https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kyiv-2-2.mp4Download video   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kyiv-3.mp4Download video   The capital of Ukraine came under a series of Russian strikes. Explosions thundered in the industrial zone of Kyiv, as well as in the towns on the outskirts of the city. The satellite imagery revealed a major fire at a former missile and artillery base in Kehychivka in Kharkiv region, where explosions lit up an 800-square-meter area. Local officials confirmed the attack, suggesting the former military site was actively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Click to see full-size image On April 28th, Russian Iskander-M missile struck the port city of Chernomorsk (Ilyichevsk), while Geran-2 drones struck the area of Vylkove on the Danube River. According to local reports, the towns of Myrhorod and Globino in the Poltava region, where Ukrainian airbases are located, also came under attacks on April 28th, while heavy drone strikes pounded the airfield in Cherkassy. LINK In their turn, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue attempts to attack Russian rear regions. According to the Ministry of the Russian Federation, in total, 91 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed in nine rear regions and over the Black Sea by Russian air defense at night. Most of them, 40 UAVs were intercepted in the border Kursk region. According to local reports, drones targeted the area of Obninsk, where the former nuclear power plant is located. 12 UAVs targeted the rear Oryol region, 11 UAVs Ryazan region, 8 UAVs Nizhny Novgorod region etc. No significant damage was reported as a result of the repelled attack. The strikes come just days before Russia’s proposed 72-hour truce for Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine has dismissed the offer as insufficient, demanding a 30-day ceasefire instead. However, Moscow has accused Kyiv of violating past truces, citing hundreds of breaches during the Easter ceasefire on the Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Orikhiv fronts. With the ceasefire looming, the coming days may see either a lull in fighting or a final surge of attacks before the temporary halt. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Russian Forces Expand Kharkiv Front with Victories Near Kupyansk Overview Of Strikes: Russian Drones Pounded Airfield in Cherkassy The post Night of Drones: Russia and Ukraine Exchange Mass Strikes Ahead of Ceasefire appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FOOTAGE, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, #strikes, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/29/25 6:14am
Click to see full-size image. (Syrian Arab News Agency) Heavy clashes broke out in a suburb of the Syrian capital, Damascus, early on April 29, between local fighters from the Druze religious minority and forces affiliated with the Islamist-led interim government. The clashes in the suburb of Jaramana, located some three kilometers to the southeast of Damascus, broke out after an audio clip circulated on social media of a man attacking Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. The clip angered many Sunni Muslims who took to the streets to protest in several parts of the country, with some even demanding “the extermination of Druze.” The audio was attributed to Druze cleric Marwan Kiwan, who later denied the accusation in a video posted to social networks. “I categorically deny that the audio was made by me,” Kiwan said in the video. “I did not say that and whoever made it is an evil man who wants to incite strife between components of the Syrian people.” From its side, the Interior Ministry said in a statement it was investigating the audio, adding that its initial probe showed the cleric was not responsible. The ministry urged people to abide by the law and not to act in a way that undermines security. It also deployed security forces around Jaramana in an attempt to stop the clashes, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the clashes claimed the lives of six Jaramana locals and left at least 15 others wounded. At least three pro-government fighters were also killed, according to the London-based monitoring group. While the fiercest clashes took place in Jaramana, exchange of fire between pro-government fighters and Druze locals was also reported in the nearby towns of Sahnaya and Kanaker with heavy weapons, including mortars and anti-aircraft guns, being used. Amid the deadly clashes, Israeli fighter jets and combat drones were reported spotted flying over Jaramana and nearby areas. The clashes also led to tensions in the Druze-majority governorate of al-Suwayda, where local factions which refused to disarm after the fall of the Assad regime last December amassed thousands of heavily-armed fighters. Druze fighters, including those from Jaramana, played a key role in the final assault on Damascus. However, they were sidelined by the Islamists who took over the country. Since then, tensions between the minority group and the government have been on the rise. Government forces were confronted by Druze fighters while attempting to enter al-Suwayda on new year’s eve. In March, a more serious escalation took place when government forces surrounded Jaramana and threatened to attack Druze fighters guarding the city. However, the situation was defused after Israel threatened to defend the city, citing the historic relation between its own Druze population and those in Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have since publicly warned the Syrian government not to harm the Druze. Druze leaders, including the spiritual head of the group in Syria Hikmat al-Hijri, later took a more bold stance in the face of the government, first rejecting the constitution decree which gave interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa absolute powers, then criticizing the government formed later for its lack of inclusivity. The clashes near Damascus will likely push the Druze to take a more radical stance. This shows how the inability and unwillingness of Syria’s Islamist rulers to build meaningful relations with the minorities, whether Druze, Alawites, Christians or Kurds, is fragmenting the country. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Syrian Government Forces Opened Fire While Russian Aircraft Was Landing In Khmeimim Assad Cousin Claims He Raised Army On Syria’s Coast With Tiger Forces Commander The post Nine Killed In Sectarian-Fueled Clashes Between Government Fighters And Druze In Syria (18+ Videos) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #SYRIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

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[l] at 4/29/25 5:31am
This is the newest update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map. click to see the full-size image Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS The post Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – April 29, 2025 appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #MAPS, #USA, Editor's choice, Hot, U.S. CSG Locations Maps, Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups, US Navy, US Navy CSG Map, usa]

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[l] at 4/29/25 5:22am
Illustrative Image Russian troops have secured two key victories in the Kharkiv region north of Kupyansk, advancing their strategic goal of consolidating control over the western bank of the Oskol River. On April 29th, the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation announced the liberation of the village of Doroshovka. Following intense clashes, Ukrainian attempts to hold their positions in the village failed. The victory in Doroshovka marks another step in Russia’s expansion of its foothold north of Kupyansk, where Ukrainian troops have largely relied on drone warfare and tactical withdrawals to slow the advance. At the same time, Russian victory in Doroshovka allows to surround Ukrainian stronghold on a hill between this village and Malaya Shapkovka. Advancing on a wide front, amid battles in Kondrashovka and Malaya Shapkovka, Russian troops are approaching the strategically important road north of Kupyansk, used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military supplies and rotation. Battle for Kamenka:   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KAmenka-1.mp4Download video   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KAmenka-2.mp4Download video   The day before, the Russian army achieved another important victory to the north in the Kupyansk directions. On April 28th, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially confirmed control of Kamenka, located just 7 km from the Belgorod border. After crossing the Oskol River, Russian forces launched assault on the settlement and won the battle. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov personally commended the 344th Motorized Rifle Regiment for its role in the operation, highlighting the unit’s exceptional bravery in dangerous battles. Kamenka’s fall is particularly significant. It bridges Russian-held footholds on the western bank of the river from Dvurechnaya to the Belgorod border, creating a unified bridgehead that could enable future offensives to the west on a wide front toward Velykyi Burluk, a logistical hub for Ukrainian garrison defending Kupyansk. Click to see full-size image Strategic Implications: Encirclement and Pressure on Kupyansk The recent gains underscore Russia’s broader tactical objective: isolating Kupyansk, a heavily fortified Ukrainian stronghold. By securing villages like Doroshovka and Kamenka, Russian forces are gradually encircling the city from the north, while grinding through Ukrainian defense east, and south. At the same time, the expanding Russian bridgehead could eventually threaten Ukrainian supply lines to the war-torn town Volchansk, where Kyiv’s troops are engaged in fierce counterattacks. Ukrainian forces have responded by reinforcing grouping in Velykyi Burluk, anticipating a potential Russian thrust into their rear. However, Russia’s incremental advances coupled with reported Ukrainian ammunition shortages suggest Moscow retains the initiative. The Defense Ministry’s confirmations of these victories indicate confidence in holding the new positions. https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1-2.mp4Download video   With Kupyansk’s defenses proving resilient, Russia appears focused on grinding down Ukrainian resistance through flank maneuvers rather than a direct assault. The Oskol River line, once fully secured, would provide a springboard for deeper pushes into Kharkiv region. Yet the pace remains slow, a reflection of Ukraine’s layered defenses and Russia’s preference for minimizing losses. As fighting rages near Stepovaya Novoselovka (17 km from Kupyansk), the next phase may hinge on whether Russian forces can sever Ukrainian routes to the city. For now, the twin victories at Doroshovka and Kamenka signal Moscow’s unwavering pressure on a critical sector of the front, one that could soon tilt the balance in Russia’s favor. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Trenches of Brotherhood: Russia and North Korea Redefined Alliances Final Round: Ukraine Negotiations Reach Critical Point The post Russian Forces Expand Kharkiv Front with Victories Near Kupyansk appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FOOTAGE, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Kharkiv, Kupyansk, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/29/25 4:54am
Illustrative image. (The U.S. Central Command) An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet of the United States Navy was lost after it fell into the Red Sea from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy announced in a statement on April 28. In a statement, the Navy said that personnel aboard are accounted for, and one sailor sustained a minor injury as a result of the incident. “The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the Navy added. “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.” A U.S. official told CNN that initial reports from the scene indicated the carrier made a hard turn to evade an attack by the Houthis (Ansar Allah), which contributed to the fighter jet falling overboard. The Super Hornet is a series of supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat variant is a larger and more advanced version of the F/A-18C and D Hornet, respectively. A single fighter jet of this type cost upwards of $70 million. The Houthis later confirmed that they were behind the attack on USS Harry S. Truman, saying in a statement that they targeted the carrier with ballistic and cruise missiles in addition to suicide drones in response to a recent wave of U.S. strikes on Yemen that claimed the lives of dozens of people. One of the strikes hit a detention centre for African migrants in the northern province of Saada, the heartland of the Houthis, killing at least 68 people. “The Yemeni Armed Forces will continue to target and pursue the aircraft carrier and all enemy warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea until the aggression against Yemen stops,” Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said, adding that the group also launched a drone attack against “a vital target” near the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon in response to the war on the Gaza Strip. The U.S. military resumed strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on March 15 on orders from President Donald Trump, who said that the large-scale operation was launched in response to the group’s renewed attacks on Israel-affiliated shipping in the Red Sea. Since then, the Houthis have been targeting USS Harry S. Truman with missiles and drones on a near-daily basis. Weeks into the operation, the U.S. dispatched another aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, to attack the Houthis. The carrier has also come under several attacks since then. The cost of the ongoing operation against the Houthis exceeded $1 billion in its first three weeks. The number does not likely include the price of the seven MQ-9 Reaper combat drones shot down by the Houthis since then, estimated at around $200 millions, nor the price of the F/A-18E lost at sea. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Houthis Launch Another Wave Of Missile, Drone Strikes (Videos) Houthis Renew Attack On Key Israeli Air Base (Videos) The post U.S. Navy Lost $70 Million F-18 Super Hornet Jet During Houthi Attack On Carrier appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #USA, #YEMEN, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

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[l] at 4/28/25 1:02pm
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function(){ var player = videojs('content_video', { autoplay: false, loop: false, fluid: true, controlBar: { liveTracker: false } }); var shareOptions = { socials: ['fb', 'tw', 'reddit', 'messenger', 'linkedin', 'telegram', 'whatsapp', 'viber', 'vk'], url: window.location.href, title: "Russia Gains Shape Ukraine War Negotiations", description: "MONERO (XMR): 86yfEHs6pkoDEKCxc6MAnQX8cVHmzhYxMVrNuwKgNmqpWK8dDxjgGnK8PtUNJMACbn6xEGxmRauNTHJhUJpg9Mwz8htBBND bc1qgu58lfszcpqu6fd8l98m378wgzugyg9y93lcym qr28d80s5juzv2793k5jrq59xrl5fxd8qg9h3zlkk2 If you face any to the addresses given above, please info@southfront.press and southfront@list.ru. Also be aware that many email services such as etc. may block correspondence from info@southfront.press and some others put it in spam. If you want to support SouthFront but , please contact", image: "https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/From_Battlefield_To_Bargaining_Table.jpg", // required for Facebook and Messenger fbAppId: '12345', // optional for Facebook redirectUri: window.location.href + '#close', // optional for VK isVkParse: true, // optinal embed code embedCode : "" }; player.share(shareOptions); player.downloadButton(); }); Download video DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: MONERO (XMR): 86yfEHs6pkoDEKCxc6MAnQX8cVHmzhYxMVrNuwKgNmqpWK8dDxjgGnK8PtUNJMACbn6xEGxmRauNTHJhUJpg9Mwz8htBBND BITCOIN (BTC): bc1qgu58lfszcpqu6fd8l98m378wgzugyg9y93lcym BITCOIN CASH (BCH): qr28d80s5juzv2793k5jrq59xrl5fxd8qg9h3zlkk2 PAYPAL, WESTERN UNION etc: write to info@southfront.press , southfront@list.ru If you face any problems sending funds to the addresses given above, please contact us: info@southfront.press and southfront@list.ru. Also be aware that many email services such as Hotmail, Yahoo etc. may block correspondence from info@southfront.press and some others put it in spam. If you want to support SouthFront but have no opportunity to do it via cryptocurrency, please contact us: info@southfront.press and southfront@list.ru. Russian forces are making gradual territorial gains on the frontlines while Ukrainian troops struggle to hold their positions amid mounting losses. Over the past week, Russian advances have secured an additional 21 square kilometers. Ukrainian troops are forced to adjust defensive tactics, relying on heavy camouflage and small-unit movements to avoid detection. The skies over the battlefield are increasingly dominated by drones from both sides, leading to a near-parity in aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities at low altitude. Both sides are implementing countermeasures such as mesh corridors and enhanced concealment to mitigate the drone threat. Russian forces have increased pressure and won control of several important villages on a wide front advancing toward Konstantinovka from the southeastern direction. Fierce battles rage in the mines on the outskirts of Torezk. The South Donetsk front is also marked by the advance of Russian forces toward the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Heavy fighting continues near Bogatyr, with Ukrainian forces launching counterattacks, including armored assaults. The Zaporizhzhia front remains a hotly contested zone where Ukrainian drone operators are slowing the pace of the Russian advance. In Kherson, the frontlines have remained static, though field reports suggested a potential Russian crossing of the Dnipro River—a move that would face significant logistical challenges. The Ukrainian bloody incursion on Russian territory failed. The Russian army liberated the Kursk region and repelled Ukrainian forces from the last border villages in Belgorod. However, the Ukrainian military does not stop reinforcing positions near the border, heavily shelling Russian villages. Threatened by a Russian offensive on Ukrainian territory, Kyiv appears to be regrouping for new possible attacks in the Bryansk and Belgorod directions. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces have already ramped up offensive operations, deploying long-range artillery, airstrikes, and assault brigades to weaken Ukrainian defenses. Key battles are unfolding around Basovka and Yunakovka, with Russian troops advancing toward Loknya, a critical logistical hub for Ukrainian forces. On the diplomatic front, rumors about the possible peace terms are wide spreading. Moscow has reiterated its conditions for possible negotiations. Foreign Minister Lavrov has emphasized that Crimea’s status is non-negotiable and that any ceasefire must come with guarantees against further Ukrainian rearmament. Moscow also insists on maintaining control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and has noted the absence of any U.S. proposals regarding sanctions relief. While Russia remains open to discussions, it has made clear that any agreement must reflect the current realities on the battlefield. In his turn, Zelensky is pushing a controversial deal to European nations, ready to mobilize an additional 600,000 troops in exchange for €100 billion. His plan includes lowering the conscription age to 18 and extending martial law, ensuring that Zelensky retains power. The move underscores Kyiv’s strategy of prolonging the war despite heavy casualties, banking on Western support to sustain its war effort. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS The post From Battlefield To Bargaining Table: Russias Gains Shape Ukraine War Negotiations appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #DONBASS, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, SouthFront TV, Ukraine Military Report, donbass, dpr, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/28/25 11:20am
Click to see full-size image Russian strikes destroyed targets in the Cherkassy region; Russian strikes destroyed targets in the Sumy region; Russian strikes destroyed targets in the Dnipropetrovsk region; The Russian MoD confirmed control of Kamenka in the Kupyansk direction; Russian forces advanced in the Svatove direction; Russian forces advanced in the Bogatyr direction; Russian forces advanced in the Toretsk direction; A civilian was killed and six other were wounded in the DPR over the past day; Russian forces eliminated about 220 servicemen, an armoured vehicle, 16 motor vehicles, six artillery guns, two ammo depots the Kharkiv area; Russian forces eliminated about 240 servicemen, eight motor vehicles, three artillery guns, one Kvertus EW station, six ammo depots in the Svatove area; Russian forces eliminated about 230 servicemen, two armoured vehicles including a M113, two pickups, an artillery gun in the Chasov Yar area; Russian forces eliminated about 375 servicemen, two armoured vehicles, two motor vehicles, an Israeli RADA radar in Donetsk region; Russian forces eliminated about 170 servicemen, two armoured vehicles, four motor vehicles, three artillery guns in the Southern Donetsk area; Russian forces eliminated about 75 servicemen, three motor vehicles, a artillery gun, an EW station in the Kherson region; Russian air defense forces shot down three U.S.-made JDAM guided bombs and 234 UAVs over the past day.   Click to see full-size image The Russian MOD confirmed control of Kamenka; Fighting is ongoing near Fygolivka; Fighting continues in Mala Shapkivka; Fighting continues near Kindrashivka; Fighting is ongoing near Boguslavka; Up to 220 Ukrainian servicemen, an armoured vehicle, 16 motor vehicles, six artillery guns, two ammo depots were destroyed in the area.   Click to see full-size image Russian forces advanced on the outskirts of Grigorovka; Clashes continued in Verkhnokamyanske; Clashes continued near Vyimka village; Clashes continued in Pereezdnoye village; Russian forces eliminated up to 375 servicemen, two armoured vehicles, two motor vehicles, an Israeli RADA radar in the area.   Click to see full-size image Russian forces expanded their zone of control near Sukhaya Balka; Russian forces secured the Komsomol district and entered the northern part of Shcherbinovka; Fighting is ongoing in the western part of Petrovka; Fighting is ongoing in northern part of Toretsk; Russian forces eliminated up to 375 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured vehicles, two motor vehicles, an Israeli RADA radar in the area.   Click to see full-size image Russian forces advanced north of Andriivka; Russian forces advanced near Troitskoye; Fighting continues near Alekseevka; Fighting continues near Fedorovka; Russian forces eliminated up to 375 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured vehicles, two motor vehicles, an Israeli RADA radar in the area. The post Military Situation In Ukraine On April 28, 2025 (Map Update) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Map, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/28/25 10:13am
Click to see full-size image In a historic move confirming months of speculation, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially acknowledged the deployment of Korean Peoples Army (KPA) troops to Russia’s Kursk region, where they participated in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. The announcement, made through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), frames the intervention as a fulfillment of the Russia-DPRK mutual defense pact signed earlier this year. According to KCNA, North Korean soldiers were sent to Kursk to help repel neo-Nazi Ukrainian invasion backed by the West. The report highlights that in August 2024, Ukrainian forces equipped with modern Western weapons launched a large-scale incursion, occupying over 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory and committing atrocities against civilians. Kim Jong Un declared the intervention a sacred duty to uphold the traditional friendship between Pyongyang and Moscow. He also announced plans to erect a memorial in Pyongyang honoring North Korean soldiers who fell in battle, which is a tacit admission of combat losses.   document.createElement('video'); https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/northkorea1.mp4Download video   North Korean fighters on training grounds and in battles:   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/northkorea2.mp4Download video   While operational details remain scarce, the Russian military shared footage showing North Korean soldiers training at Russian bases before deployment. The clips reveal drills in urban combat, drone defense, and small-unit tactics, suggesting they were prepped for the asymmetric warfare seen in Kursk. North Korean troops accustomed to harsh conditions and rigid discipline may have been used in high-risk assault roles, particularly in clearing fortified Ukrainian positions. Their presence also served a psychological purpose, demonstrating Russia’s ability to mobilize unconventional allies despite Western sanctions. In the case of escalation or deployment of any NATO troops in Ukraine, Moscow has an experienced, combat ready ally to respond. The deployment carries far-reaching implications. The move cements the Russia-DPRK alliance, complicating Western efforts to isolate Moscow. Any attack on North Korea now risks drawing Russia into conflict. Notably, Western warmongers have downplayed North Korea’s involvement, assured that their efforts had isolated, but now Moscow has a battle-tested ally. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Secret War: North Korean Fighters Helped To Turn the Tide in Kursk Russian Armed Forces Сompletely Liberate Kursk region From Ukrainian Neo-Nazi Groups – Vladimir Putin The post Trenches of Brotherhood: Russia and North Korea Redefined Alliances appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FOOTAGE, #FROMTHEFRONT, #NORTHKOREA, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, North Korea, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/28/25 10:12am
Click to see full-size image During the past 24 hours, US aircraft launched at least 17 strikes in Yemen; Over the past night, US warplanes attacked Amran province 8 times; Over the past night, US warplanes attacked Saada province 6 times, killing 68 people; Over the past night, US warplanes launched several airstrikes in Sanaa province, killing 8 civilians, including women and children; US strikes in Saada prison, which serves as a shelter for African migrants, resulted in the deaths of 68 individuals. The post Military Situation In Yemen On April 28, 2025 (Map Update) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #MAPS, #USA, #YEMEN, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, YEMEN MAPS, Map, us, yemen]

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[l] at 4/28/25 9:29am
Click to see the full-size image The protracted conflict in Ukraine appears to be approaching a pivotal moment. Negotiations aimed at ending the war have intensified, bringing together key players from Washington, Brussels, Kyiv, and Moscow. Yet, even as diplomatic efforts gain momentum, hostilities persist on the ground. U.S. Push for Resolution President Donald Trump is eager to conclude the “Ukraine file,” viewing the conflict as both costly and prolonged. He has been pressing Kyiv to show more flexibility, recently meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican— a meeting he described as “very productive.”​ “I see [Mr Zelensky] as calmer. I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal.” – Donald Trump​ Click to see the full-size image https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ukraine-Negotiations-2.mp4Download video Behind the diplomatic courtesies lies a clear message: Washington expects Kyiv to be more pliable. Trump has suggested that Zelensky might be ready to “give up” Crimea to achieve a peace agreement. This marks a significant shift for Zelensky, who had previously vowed to recapture the peninsula at any cost. The U.S. aims to quickly declare a “peacekeeping victory” while conserving resources, publicly maintaining support for Ukraine in a classic “good cop” diplomatic approach.​ “It needs to happen soon. We cannot continue to dedicate time and resources to this effort if it’s not going to come to fruition.” – Marco Rubio​ European Dynamics and Diverging Interests Europe welcomes the negotiations, weary of the prolonged crisis, though unity within the EU is lacking. Paris and Berlin pragmatically seek stability, with French President Emmanuel Macron actively facilitating the Trump-Zelensky meeting in Rome to inject new momentum into the talks. Click to see the full-size image France and Germany are keen to restore stability in Europe, even if it means Ukraine must make concessions. Publicly, they continue to emphasize Ukraines territorial integrity — no one wants to overtly urge Ukrainians to cede land, even if the outcome seems inevitable. Eastern European EU members, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, view any compromises with Moscow with trepidation, fearing that the Kremlins ambitions could eventually target them. Consequently, the EU strives to maintain a facade of unity: officially supporting Kyiv and its peace terms, while tacitly ready to accept any scenario that halts the bloodshed and secures Europe.​ Ukraines Predicament Ukraines leadership finds itself in perhaps the most challenging position. On one hand, Kyiv continues to project confidence and uphold its victory slogans. Zelensky publicly vows not to compromise on sovereignty and loudly decries Moscows duplicity, attempting to portray Russia as the obstacle to peace. However, behind the scenes, the rhetoric softens. Pressure from Washington and Europes fatigue are taking their toll: Zelenskys circle increasingly speaks of “realistic goals.” Privately, Kyiv acknowledges that regaining all lost territories by force has failed. Moreover, continuing the war threatens to exhaust the country entirely. Thus, Ukraine is now urgently seeking a way to save face. Kyivs primary interest is to secure maximum guarantees and financial aid in exchange for compelled territorial concessions. In other words, if it must de facto relinquish Crimea (and possibly parts of Donbas), it aims to at least negotiate EU membership, special relations with NATO, or guarantees of continued military support.​ Continued Hostilities Ironically, just as Kyiv is compelled to sit at the negotiating table, it simultaneously attempts to display “strength” on the battlefield. Instead of genuinely ceasing fire, Ukraine continues to launch incursions into Russian territory — perhaps out of sheer desperation or as a tactic to raise the stakes. From April 27 to 28, 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a series of strikes on Russian territory, deploying a total of 115 drones, focusing on border regions and strategic targets.​ Click to see the full-size image Russias Stance Moscow approaches the final phase of negotiations from a position of strength, bolstered by successes on the battlefield. The Russian leadership has consistently indicated that peace is possible only on its terms. The key demands have long been stated and are unlikely to change:​ recognition of new territorial realities — affirming that Crimea and other liberated regions remain part of Russia; a neutral and non-aligned status for Ukraine, ensuring no NATO presence near Russia; demilitarization of the Ukrainian regime — at a minimum, the withdrawal of long-range strike systems threatening Russian territory.​ Additionally, Moscow is evidently seeking the lifting of the most painful Western sanctions, although this issue is likely being addressed separately from official negotiations. Russias interest in these talks is straightforward: to solidify military gains through political means and ensure that threats from Ukraine do not recur. Unlike Kyiv, the Kremlin is candid in articulating its “red lines.” Any peace agreement, according to Moscow, must be backed by concrete commitments from Ukraine and its sponsors. Otherwise, as repeatedly stated by the Russian MFA, the option remains to continue the military operation until all objectives are fully achieved. Notably, as negotiations conclude, Russia demonstrates readiness for decisive action should peace efforts collapse. The military initiative remains with the Russian army. This is likely recognized in Kyiv: the proposal for a ceasefire was met with a painful reaction — Ukraine accused Russia of provocation while simultaneously pleading with the West for additional guarantees.​ The Road Ahead While diplomats draw lines of compromise on maps, the war still rages on the ground. Paradoxically, the final phase of negotiations coincides with intensified combat activity — each side seemingly aiming to strengthen its position ahead of a potential truce. Particular attention is drawn to the recent surge in Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory.​ Overall, as negotiations near their conclusion, both sides approach the brink of renewed escalation, seeking to bolster their respective positions. The front lines have stabilized: Russia controls eastern and southern Ukraine, while Kyiv holds major cities, hoping for a ceasefire. Both sides avoid large-scale offensives, awaiting a political resolution.​ The negotiations resemble a chess match: the U.S. aims to appear as a peacemaker, Europe seeks stability, Kyiv is torn between ambition and reality, and Russia insists on its terms. The outcome depends on the parties actual actions, and while Kyiv strives to save face, territorial losses seem inevitable. For Ukraine, a moment of truth is approaching, which, judging by Moscows sardonic tone, will expose the futility of its ambitions. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Overview Of Strikes: Russian Drones Pounded Airfield in Cherkassy BREAKING: Putin Declares Victory Day Ceasefire Kursk and Belgorod Liberated as Kyiv Plots Bryansk Offensive The post Final Round: Ukraine Negotiations Reach Critical Point appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #EU, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, #USA, All articles, Editor's choice, France, Hot, Military, Politics, Suggested Analyses]

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[l] at 4/28/25 8:54am
Illustrative Image Russian officials have recorded escalating civilian casualties from Ukrainian cross-border strikes, with drone attacks emerging as a particularly deadly threat. According to the Ambassador-at-large of the Russian Foreign Ministry for crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik, 292 civilians were killed and 1,197 wounded in Ukrainian attacks between January and March 2025, including 68 children among the casualties. The data reveals a disturbing trend: Ukrainian forces have increasingly turned to drones to strike civilian areas, with 23 people killed, three of them children, in UAV attacks over the same period. Miroshnik accused Kyiv of numerous war crimes of deliberately targeting homes, vehicles, and even rescue teams and ambulances.   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/church.mp4Download video   The conflict’s toll on civilians continues to mount, with Russian authorities reporting 21,002 civilian casualties since February 2022, including 6,715 dead, among them 218 children. The hardest-hit regions include Belgorod, the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics, as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, where shelling remains frequent. Miroshnik also highlighted Ukrainian attacks on Orthodox churches intensified during the festive Easter weeks, citing as example the shelling of the Gornal Monastery as part of a broader pattern of religious persecution. He called for an international investigation into what he termed crimes against religious freedom. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Overview Of Strikes: Russian Drones Pounded Airfield in Cherkassy BREAKING: Putin Declares Victory Day Ceasefire The post Ukrainian Attacks Kill Nearly 300 Russian Civilians In First Months Of 2025 appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FROMTHEFRONT, #RealWarInUkraine, #RUSSIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, russia, ukraine, war crime]

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[l] at 4/28/25 7:45am
Illustrative Image On April 28th, Russian forces launched another series of strikes across Ukraine. Depleted Ukrainian air defense can no longer repel either night of day attacks. One of the most massive waves of drone strikes targeted the city of Cherkassy on the morning of April 28th. Russian Geran-type kamikaze drones struck the city’s international airport. Multiple explosions thundered in the area of aviation hangars and storage facilities, with at least ten impacts recorded. According to local reports, the attack destroyed a workshop and warehouse used for assembling and storing Ukrainian military drones.   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chrk.mp4Download video   Click to see full-size image The Ukrainian military confirmed the loss of a Su-27 fighter jet, lost during an attempted interception of the incoming drones. While Kyiv attributed it to unclear circumstances, Russian sources suggest the jet was either hit by drone shrapnel or fell victim to friendly fire, probably when trying to repel the attack in Cherkassy. This marks at least the second time a Ukrainian fighter has been downed while engaging Russian loitering munitions, following a similar incident involving a MiG-29 in 2022. Beyond Cherkasy, Russian drones and missiles destroyed military targets in the eastern Sumy region, preventing the deployment of Ukrainian reserves near the Russian border. Strikes also damaged the local Impulse plant, used including for cluster munitions production, and the Shostka Chemical Plant, where weapons were stored and military equipment repaired. Russian drones were also filmed flying over Dnipropetrovsk region, where the locals note the daily increasing intensity of strikes.   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dnipro-2-3.mp4Download video   https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dnipro-1-3.mp4Download video   Meanwhile, Ukraine attempted another massive drone offensive against Russian territory overnight, with 115 UAVs intercepted, mostly over Bryansk region, where one civilian was killed and infrastructure was damaged. Additional drones were shot down over Crimea, Kursk, and Belgorod, though Russian air defenses largely prevented significant losses. As both sides intensify their drone campaigns, the conflict continues to evolve into a war of attrition, with strikes pounding rear logistics, industry, and military facilities. While Russia maintains pressure on Ukrainian military infrastructure, Kyiv’s persistent drone raids demonstrate its ability to retaliate with low effectiveness. MORE ON THE TOPIC: BREAKING: Putin Declares Victory Day Ceasefire Kursk and Belgorod Liberated as Kyiv Plots Bryansk Offensive The post Overview Of Strikes: Russian Drones Pounded Airfield in Cherkassy appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FOOTAGE, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, #strikes, Cherkassy, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/28/25 6:59am
Illustrative image. The forces of Syria’s interim government opened fire from anti-aircraft guns while a Russian military cargo aircraft was landing in Khmeimim Air Base on the Syrian coast over the night of April 27 and 28. The source of fire was reportedly the Naval Academy, just two kilometers to the southwest of the air base, according to Syrian activists, who said on social networks that government forces deployed there, including foreign fighters, were attempting to target the aircraft. It is possible, however, that the anti-aircraft fire was directed at a drone flying by. Khmeimim and another Russian base located within Tartus port, further south along the coast, have been repelling drone attacks for the past week. Attempts to target the Russian bases on the coast with drones began shortly after the fall of the Assad regime last December. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned at the time that the United States and British intelligence services were preparing “terrorist acts” against Russian bases in Syria, including the use of drones. Last March, the rate of attacks increased following a brutal government crackdown on the coast that claimed the lives of more than 1,600 civilians, mostly members of the Alawite religious group that makes up the majority of the region’s population. Some 10,000 civilians fled to Khmeimim during the killings and to this day they are refusing to leave. The Russian military expanded its controle around Khmeimim and resumed helicopter patrols over the coast in response to the threat. However, the situation worsened last week with interceptions being reported on a near-daily basis. So far, all the attacks have been rebelled. No group has yet claimed responsibility, which left the door open for many speculations. While Russia and the Syrian government maintain high levels of communications, an agreement on the future of Russian bases on the country’s coast is yet to be reached. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Assad Cousin Claims He Raised Army On Syria’s Coast With Tiger Forces Commander American Researcher Warns Violence Against Alawites In Syria Is Surging (Video) The post Syrian Government Forces Opened Fire While Russian Aircraft Was Landing In Khmeimim appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, #SYRIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

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[l] at 4/28/25 5:31am
Illustrative Image Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 48-hour ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 in observance of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The Russian Defense Ministry stated that all combat operations will be halted during this period, urging Ukraine to follow the example. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example, the Kremlin’s statement read. However, Putin warned that any violations by Ukrainian forces would be met with an adequate and effective response from the Russian military. This move comes after previous ineffective ceasefire attempts, such as the recent Easter truce, which Kyiv did not follow, accusing Moscow of exploiting ceasefire for military regrouping. The unilateral energy ceasefire was also ignored by the Kyiv regime. Ukrainian officials have yet to formally respond, but given past precedents, skepticism remains high. This is the third truce proposed by Moscow, which confirms Russias readiness for peace. Moscow reiterated its readiness to peace talks without preconditions, calling for international cooperation to resolve the conflict. Yet, with Ukraine demanding full territorial restoration, including Crimea, and Russia insisting on recognizing its gains, prospects for a negotiated settlement remain dim. As the world watches, the brief truce could either offer a rare pause in fighting or become another flashpoint if violated. Either way, the war’s trajectory remains unchanged—a relentless grind with no clear end in sight. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Moscow Ready For Peace Negotiations On Ukraine: Key Developments And Stumbling Blocks The post BREAKING: Putin Declares Victory Day Ceasefire appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, ceasefire, russia, ukraine]

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[l] at 4/28/25 2:45am
document.createElement('video'); https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sssx.io_1745828263079.mp4Download video Written by Gavin O’Reilly for SouthFront On Saturday, tens of thousands took to the streets of Dublin in protest against the policies of the 26-county state. Announced by veteran Irish Republican Malachy Steenson in early April, the protest was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 1916 Rising, in which Irish rebels seized Dublin’s General Post Office and other key locations around the city. Initially unpopular with the Irish public at the time, the subsequent capture and execution of the leaders of the Rising stoked a nationalist sentiment that culminated in Sinn Féin a far different organisation to the one that uses the same name today recording a resounding victory in the December 1918 Irish general election. Refusing to take their seats in Westminster, the party established the revolutionary Dáil Éireann on the 19th of January 1919. The same day, the Irish Republican Army began a guerrilla war against Britain. Saturday’s protest was called in opposition to a number of policies being pursued by Leinster House, including the erosion of the southern Irish state’s military neutrality and a push for NATO membership. Chief concern amongst those attending was current immigration policy. https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Protest-In-Dublin-2.mp4Download video https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Protest-In-Dublin.mp4Download video In November 2022, upwards of 400 male migrants were moved into a disused office block in East Wall, a tight-knit working class community in inner city Dublin. Local residents immediately began weekly demonstrations against the move, citing the unsuitability of the chosen location, the lack of consultation held with community representatives beforehand, and the lack of transparency on whether the men placed in the building had been vetted or not. Such protests would become a mainstay throughout Ireland in the months that followed, as the southern Irish state continued to place vast amounts of male migrants into wildly unsuitable locations. In January 2023, protests were held in Drimnagh, a working class Dublin suburb, after a number of men were housed in a local primary school. Rather than engage in dialogue, the response of the southern Irish state to this emerging protest movement was to castigate its participants as ‘far-right’ and subject organisers to police surveillance. A strategy that served only to exacerbate tensions even further. On the 23rd of November 2023, these tensions erupted in their most notable manner so far. Following the stabbing of three children and their teacher in central Dublin by an immigrant previously subjected to a deportation order, calls for a protest later that night rapidly spread throughout social media. Seemingly attracting an opportunistic element that engaged in looting and the burning of vehicles, riots swept the streets of the Irish capital, garnering worldwide attention. In response, then security minister for the 26-county state Helen McEntee introduced new facial recognition technology laws. A move that revealed the true intent behind current immigration policy in Ireland. As well as devaluing labour through market saturation, the mixing of vast amounts of people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds leads to tensions, which in tight-knit areas like working class suburbs or rural villages, will inevitably spill over. A pretext is then created for the introduction of authoritarian laws, thus consolidating the power of the government-corporate alliance. Ireland’s two previous Taoisigh, Leo Varadkar and Simon Harris, were both Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, a highly influential body that promotes the corporate sector having even greater influence over government policy worldwide. Facial recognition technology and digital ID are both key principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Davos’ vision of a digital surveillance state. Last April, tensions once again erupted in the small rural village of Newtownmountkennedy, located in County Wicklow. Following weeks of peaceful protests against plans to house male migrants at a disused hospital in the locality, Irish riot police and masked security cleared an on-site protest camp in a heavy-handed early morning raid. The scenes that followed were akin to a military occupation. Martial law was imposed on the small sleepy village, local residents were brutalised, and a female journalist was pepper sprayed. In July, similar scenes played out in Coolock, another working class Dublin suburb. Following months of protest by local residents against plans to house male migrants in a disused paint factory, riot police once again cleared an on-site protest camp in a heavy-handed manner. Work vehicles were set ablaze in response, leading to scenes reminiscent of the north of Ireland in the 60s and 70s. Women, children and the elderly were once again brutalised by a heavily-militarised police force, a popular video streamer was arrested, and a number of elected representatives who arrived on the scene in a bid to calm tensions, including Malachy Steenson, were pepper sprayed by police. The latent discontent in Ireland at current immigration policy, led to record numbers attending Saturday’s demonstration in Dublin. https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sssx.io_1745828216998.mp4Download video https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sssx.io_1745828527788.mp4Download video Starting at the city’s Garden of Remembrance, a monument to all those who died for Irish freedom, the march passed by the nearby Gaelscoil (Irish-language school) that was the scene of the 2023 knife attack on the three children and their teacher. It then moved onto O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare. Thousands upon thousands of protesters soon thronged the streets of the Irish capital. A counter-demonstration organised by the Irish NGO sector, which has close links to USAID, was dwarfed in comparison, attracting a meagre crowd which had to rely on police protection. The protest then finished on the city’s quays, where a number of speeches were made at the Custom House. The same building was burnt to the ground by the IRA in 1921 in order to disrupt the British administration in Ireland. https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sssx.io_1745829137995.mp4Download video https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sssx.io_1745828984152.mp4Download video Prior to the demonstration beginning, former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor released an impassioned video from the Garden of Remembrance voicing his support for the protest. The MMA fighter has been a vocal critic of the southern Irish state’s immigration policy, having recently visited the White House on St. Patrick’s Day in a bid to highlight the radical demographic changes brought about by mass-immigration. A fortnight ago, McGregor was interviewed by US journalist Tucker Carlson, where he outlined his aspirations to run for President of the southern Irish state. McGregor’s boxing coach, Philip Sutcliffe, was elected as a Dublin city councillor last June alongside Malachy Steenson and a number of other candidates on a platform of opposition to current immigration policy. Last November, McGregor was found liable for the rape of Dublin woman Nikita Hand in a high-profile civil case. The former UFC champion lost out on numerous business deals as a result. In particular, a number of Irish chains stated that they would no longer stock his Forged Stout brand. Judging by the thousands of people in attendance at Saturday’s protest however, personal disdain for McGregor certainly doesn’t seem to equate to disagreement with his views on mass-immigration. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Ireland’s Israeli Embassy Closure – Is Mossad Now Preparing A False Flag In Dublin? Zelensky And Netanyahu – A Tale Of Two White House Visits “7 Countries In 5 Years” – Regime-Change In Iran Coming Soon? The post Thousands Protest In Dublin Against Mass-Immigration appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #BREXIT, #EU, All articles, Editor's choice, Europe, Hot, Military, NATO, Politics, UK]

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[l] at 4/28/25 2:31am
File image. Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, claimed on April 27 that he had formed an army with 15 divisions on Syria’s coast in cooperation with Major General Suhayl al-Hasan, the most prominent commander of the former Syrian Arab Army (SAA). In a post to his Facebook page, Makhlouf described Assad as a fake Assad [Lion in English], writing: Had it not been for that fake Assad pushing me and my loyal men away, headed by my soul brother, Commander al-Nimr, Syria would not have fallen. Al-Hasan, nicknamed al-Nimr [the Tiger in English], commanded the 25th Special Mission Forces Division “Tiger Forces,” the SAA’s most experienced and best armed formation. Throughout the war, he led the division through several successful operations. The commander was sacked from his post in the division by Assad just months before the Islamist rebel’s final offensive that brought down the regime in December. At the time, the division had been deeply weakened by the Ministry of Defense, with most of its well-experienced soldiers and officers either transferred to other formations in remote areas or discharged. Five years ealrier, Asma, the British-born wife of Assad, threw Makhlouf under house arrest in Damascus after confiscating his telecommunication company, and every other asset he owned. Makhlouf, who was once estimated to be worth billions of dollars, claimed that he had supported Syria militarily, economically, socially, and administratively throughout the war, preventing the collapse of the SAA and correcting the mistakes of those boys who drowned the country in injustice, corruption, and burdened the people with suffering, poverty, and drugs,” referring to Assad and his brother Maher. He went on to accuse Assad of ruling in name only and accused the countrys new Islamist-led interim government of betrayal. Those who were immersed in the pleasures of worldly life and drowning in its wealth thought themselves rulers, while in reality they were ruled. After liberating the country and relieving the people, they betrayed us, isolated us, detained us, and sought to humiliate us, he said. Makhlouf declared that he and al-Hasan had worked day and night for several weeks to regroup their forces on the coast. We formed fifteen divisions, numbering nearly 150,000 elite men, alongside a reserve force of the same size. We also established popular committees reaching up to one million people ready for action, he said. We are a people who were wronged under the former regime and slaughtered under the new regime. It is our right to defend ourselves against anyone who comes to slaughter us, he added. Makhlouf also addressed the Syrian government directly, holding it responsible for a crackdown on the coast last March that claimed the lives of more than 1,600 civilians, most of whom were members of the Alawite religious minority which he, Assad and al-Hasan belong to. You have been unable to protect us from slaughter, killing, kidnapping, and enslavement, atrocities that continue to this very hour,” he wrote. Still, he proposed cooperation to protect the country, serve the people, and restore security and stability, especially in the Syrian coastal region, and called for a new era based on security, stability, and cooperation. Let it be known to everyone that the flag of the Syrian coastal region is red, white, and black, and it is displayed on my page, he wrote, referring to the former flag of Syria. Makhlouf also called on Russia to extend its protection over the coast, offering to place all economic, military, and popular resources under their supervision. We also ask our friends to engage with the Damascus government to find a framework for joint cooperation, leading to stability in the coastal region, he added. To this day Russia maintains two large military facilities on the Syrian coast, Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus naval base. Some 10,000 Alawite civilians took shelter at Khmeimim after the last wave of killing. Yet, there has been no friction between Russian forces and government troops and the two sides maintain high levels of communication. The claims made by Makhlouf are yet to be verified. Al-Hasan has not been seen since the fall of the Assad regime and there are no indications of any forces being formed on the coast, let alone the regrouping of 150,000 fighters. Still, in recent days, the Syrian government deployed large reinforcements on the coast, which means that may be sensing some movements. The Syrian government refusal to build any meaningful relation with the Alawites and its ability to end violence targeting the group’s members could eventually lead to an armed uprising on the coast. Leaders from the group have already called for international protection, with some going as far as demanding the right of self-determination. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: American Researcher Warns Violence Against Alawites In Syria Is Surging (Video) Russian Air Defenses Shot Down More Drones Over Syria’s Khmeimim Air Base (Videos) The post Assad Cousin Claims He Raised Army On Syria’s Coast With Tiger Forces Commander appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #SYRIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Politics]

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[l] at 4/28/25 1:34am
File image. Iran repelled a massive cyber attack on its infrastructure on April 27, the head of the Islamic Republic’s Infrastructure Communications Company announced, a day after a powerful blast damaged its most important container port. “One of the most widespread and complex cyberattacks against the country’s infrastructure was identified and preventive measures were taken,” Behzad Akbari said on April 28, according to semi-official Tasnim news agency, without providing additional details. The cyber attack was announced after Iranian state media said that the death toll from a powerful explosion at the Shahid Rajaei port in the city of Bandar Abbas had risen to at least 40, with more than 1,200 people injured. Chemicals at the port, the largest in the country, were suspected to have fueled the explosion. However the exact cause was not clear and the Iranian Defense Ministry denied international media reports that the blast may be linked to the mishandling of solid fuel used for missiles. Iran and the United States concluded a third round of nuclear talks on the day of the blast. Ahead of the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the issue of the country’s missile capabilities has not and will not be raised with Washington. It’s worth noting that Israel was accused in 2020 of launching a major cyberattack on the same port, causing transport chaos for days. Later in 2021, another cyber attack that targeted Iranian petrol stations was said by Tehran to likely be carried out by Israel. An even larger cyber attack disrupted about 70% of petrol stations across Iran in 2023. At the time a shadowy group called “Predatory Sparrow” claiming the attack as retaliation to “the aggression of the Islamic Republic and its proxies in the region.” _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Chemicals Used In Rocket Fuel Exploded In Iranian Port After Massive Fire – Report Massive Blast Rocks Iranian Port Where Ships With Chemicals For Rocket Fuel Arrived Earlier (Videos) The post Iran Says It Foiled Massive Cyber Attack Days After Deadly Port Blast appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Security]

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[l] at 4/27/25 12:30pm
Illustrative image. (The Israeli Defense Forces) Israeli strikes hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, on April 27, in a new escalation. In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the strikes targeted the precision missile warehouse of Hezbollah, adding that the missiles “posed a significant threat to Israel.” “Israel will not allow Hezbollah to grow stronger and pose any threat to it — anywhere in Lebanon,” the two said, stressing that Israel will not allow Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiya, to serve as a sanctuary for Hezbollah. Netanyahu and Katz went on to warn that “the Lebanese government bears direct responsibility for preventing these threats.” The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also said that the strikes targeted a facility where Hezbollah stored precision missiles. “The storage of missiles in this infrastructure site constitutes a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians,” the military said in a statement. Before the strikes, the IDF issued a warning to civilians in the area. Moreover, Lebanese media reported that several small warning strikes were carried out in the area before fighter jets dropped heavier munitions to destroy the structure. No casualties were reported. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemns the Israeli strikes on Beirut in a statement issued on his behalf. Aoun called on “the United States and France, as guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, to assume their responsibilities and compel Israel to halt its attacks immediately.” He also said that Israel’s continued destabilization will intensify tensions in the region.  Hezbollah accepted the U.S.-proposed ceasefire following a heated confrontation with the IDF that broke out more than a year earlier as a result of the Israeli war on the group’s ally, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, which went into effect on November 27, was supposed to end all clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese border by February 18. Nevertheless, the Israeli military continues to launch strikes against Hezbollah. It also maintains troops at five strategic points in southern Lebanon. This was the third time the IDF has carried out strikes in Beirut since the start of the ceasefire. The first two attacks were carried out on March 27 and April 1 in response to rocket attacks which the group denied responsibility for. The second strike killed Hassan Bdair, a senior intelligence commander of the group. It is important to note here that the latest strike on the Lebanese capital was completely unprovoked. The strike will likely be followed by many as Israel has established that Hezbollah, which is facing immense pressure from the Lebanese government, will not respond. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Houthis Renew Attack On Key Israeli Air Base (Videos) Israeli Soldier, Cop Killed In New Gaza Attack As Resistance Regains Momentum The post Unprovoked, Israel Attacks Lebanese Capital (Videos) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #ISRAEL, #LEBANON, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

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[l] at 4/27/25 12:05pm
Illustrative image. Joshua Landis, an American academic who specializes in the Middle East and is an expert on Syria, warned on April 27 that members of the Alawite religious minority were still being targeted amid silence from the country’s Islamist-led interim government. In a post to the X social network, the researcher said that 13 Alawite civilians were killed in Homs and four others were killed in the capital, Damascus, in the last 24 hours, describing the murders as “summary executions. “President [Ahmad] Sharaa is not speaking out about this,” he added. Landis also noted that over 50 Alawite women have been abducted over the last two months. This was previously reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The London-based monitoring group said that most of the abductions took place in Tartus and Latakia on the coast, the heartland of the Alawites, with the rest taking place in Hama and Homs. “This is not to mention the 1,800 Alawite civilians killed on the coast in March, or the 8 Alawite villages north of Hama that have been completely cleansed,” he said. “The government has done little if anything to stop these killings, many of which have been carried out by government forces,” he added. The government crackdown in March displaced more than 20,000 Alawites to northern and eastern Lebanon with around 10,000 others taking shelter at Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia. The numbers of refugees continue to grow. Landis also published a video showing gunmen walking between two Alawite neighborhoods in Homs and chanting: “Homs is for Sunnis, Alawites get out of it.”  The researcher warned that sectarian killings complicate efforts by Western government to lift sanctions or to affirm that the interim government is doing “the right thing.” In addition to all the violations mentioned by Landis, the government continues to imprison thousands of former soldiers and officers, mostly Alawites, who laid down their arms before the fall of the Assad regime last December. Many have been already reported to be dead as a result of torture or even summary executions. So far, the government has done nothing to stop violence against Alawites. There is also no real dialogue between the government and the group. In the face of this situation, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and Diaspora, and several other prominent leaders of the group renewed calls for international protection earlier this month. Some went as far as demanding the right of self-determination for the coast, hinting at the possibility of separating from Syria. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Russian Air Defenses Shot Down More Drones Over Syria’s Khmeimim Air Base (Videos) In Video: Russian Helicopters Shoot Down Drone Close To Khmeimim Air Base In Syria The post American Researcher Warns Violence Against Alawites In Syria Is Surging (Video) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #SYRIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Security]

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