southfront--2020-12-28--Iraq’s PMU Groups Say Rocket Attack On U.S. Embassy “False Flag”, Oppose Government Actions

On December 27th , pro-Iranian Kata ’ ib Hezbollah , which is part of Iraq ’ s Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) , began openly opposing the central Baghdad government in its rhetoric .
It all began with Qais al-Khazali , the leader of Kata ’ ib Hezbollah saying that he denies any responsibility on the side of the Iraqi groups for a recent attack on the US embassy in Baghdad .
Khazali said in a tweet , “ The decision of Iraqi Resistance Coordination Commission is not to target the US embassy in the first place.
” Kata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement the rockets attack on the US embassy in Baghdad is an “ uncontrolled ” act , calling on the government to take the necessary steps to arrest the perpetrators .
Kata ’ ib Hezbollah , has called the rocket attack against the US embassy in Baghdad a false-flag strike and a plot hatched by Washington .
Muhammad Mohi , the spokesman for Kata ’ ib Hezbollah , which is part of the country ’ s Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) , made the comments in an interview with the Al Jazeera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ sole beneficiary ” of the so-called attack as it “ wants to increase pressure on Iraqi resistance groups.
” Mohi said the pressure by the US comes as Iraqis are preparing to commemorate the first anniversary of the Trump-authorized assassination of Iran ’ s top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , deputy head of the PMU , in a US airstrike near Baghdad airport on January 3 .
The U.S. claimed it is concerned of another attempt against its diplomatic missions and military bases in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy or any kind of popular activities aimed at exposing the US role in Iraq , and this concern has prompted the American leaders to launch these ( fake ) strikes against their [ own ] embassy , ” further said the spokesman of the Kata ’ ib Hezbollah group .
Mohi added that the outgoing Trump administration is trying to push Iran and the resistance groups to give “ a reckless response ” by exerting pressure and creating a crisis , “ but we are aware of this plot.
” The rockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20th , landed close to the US diplomatic mission , causing sirens blaring within the compound without any casualties apart from some material damage .
Following the attack , the Iraqi military said in a statement that an “ outlaw group ” had fired rockets at Baghdad ’ s Green Zone , Reuters reported .
The rockets hit a residential complex inside the Green Zone , damaging buildings and cars , but causing no casualties , the statement added .
Influential Iraqi political figure and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also condemned the attack and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” with the Iraqi government in protecting civilians and diplomatic missions .
“ No one has the right to use weapons outside the jurisdiction of the state , ” the top cleric said .
Anyone who does so is either “ a terrorist or outside of the Sharia ( Islamic law ) and the law , ” he added , condemning the rocket attack against the US embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone of Baghdad earlier in the day .
Initially , Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi appeared to be a sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides – the pro-Iranian and the pro-US ones accepting him as a viable leader , but that seems to have passed .
And according to US-state funded VOA News , al-Kadhimi appears to have “ come out on top ” in a battle with pro-Iranian Shi ’ ite militias from the PMU .
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustapha al-Kadhimi , accompanied by his top military advisers , has inspected parts of the capital , Baghdad , visiting several key security centers and taking selfies with ordinary citizens .
The prime minister ’ s impromptu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Iranian Shi ’ ite militia commanders , including Qais al-Khazali , leader of the Asa ’ ib Ahl al Haq militia , over the arrest of a militia member accused of firing rockets at the U.S. Embassy compound .
Even Israeli media reported that al-Kadhimi appears to be walking on a “ tight rope ” .
Asaib is run by Qais Khazali , a former US detainee who was held at Camp Cropper .
He is a former ally of Muqtada al-Sadr in 2004 but broke off from him and became a Shi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought the Americans , linked up with Lebanese Hezbollah , got himself sanctioned by the US and built Asaib into a formidable military force and armed gang .
Asaib was part of the 100,000 members of the Hashd who fought ISIS and have opposed the US role in Iraq .
If al-Kadhimi continues his recent policy , it is possible that he might be met with a firm resistance from the PMU and others .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 27th, pro-Iranian Kata’ib Hezbollah, which is part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), began openly opposing the central Baghdad government in its rhetoric.
It all began with Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Kata’ib Hezbollah saying that he denies any responsibility on the side of the Iraqi groups for a recent attack on the US embassy in Baghdad.
Khazali said in a tweet, “The decision of Iraqi Resistance Coordination Commission is not to target the US embassy in the first place.”
“It is our right to liberate our country and avenge our martyrs, but we specify the time to respond and it is not far away,” he added.
Kata’ib Hezbollah also said in a statement the rockets attack on the US embassy in Baghdad is an “uncontrolled” act, calling on the government to take the necessary steps to arrest the perpetrators.
“We condemn the indiscriminate attack against the US embassy, as it poses a threat to civilian lives,” the group said, calling on “the United States to suspend the military activities in the area for the residents’ safety.”
Kata’ib Hezbollah, has called the rocket attack against the US embassy in Baghdad a false-flag strike and a plot hatched by Washington.
Muhammad Mohi, the spokesman for Kata’ib Hezbollah, which is part of the country’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), made the comments in an interview with the Al Jazeera news broadcaster, saying Washington is the “sole beneficiary” of the so-called attack as it “wants to increase pressure on Iraqi resistance groups.”
Mohi said the pressure by the US comes as Iraqis are preparing to commemorate the first anniversary of the Trump-authorized assassination of Iran’s top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the PMU, in a US airstrike near Baghdad airport on January 3.
The U.S. claimed it is concerned of another attempt against its diplomatic missions and military bases in Iraq.
“Washington fears demonstrations near its embassy or any kind of popular activities aimed at exposing the US role in Iraq, and this concern has prompted the American leaders to launch these (fake) strikes against their [own] embassy,” further said the spokesman of the Kata’ib Hezbollah group. Mohi added that the outgoing Trump administration is trying to push Iran and the resistance groups to give “a reckless response” by exerting pressure and creating a crisis, “but we are aware of this plot.”
The rockets, which were fired late on December 20th, landed close to the US diplomatic mission, causing sirens blaring within the compound without any casualties apart from some material damage.
Following the attack, the Iraqi military said in a statement that an “outlaw group” had fired rockets at Baghdad’s Green Zone, Reuters reported.
The rockets hit a residential complex inside the Green Zone, damaging buildings and cars, but causing no casualties, the statement added.
On December 28, a logistical convoy of the U.S military was targeted by an IED attack in Diwaniyah province;
On December 27, two logistical convoys of the U.S military were targeted in two separate attacks in Babil province;
On December 25, Qasim al-Araji, one of the commanders of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, was arrested under the order of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhim. The commander was released on December 26 following the increase of tensions between Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq members and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad;
On December 20, at least eight unguided rockets landed in Baghdad’s Green Zone targeting the U.S Embassy area.
Influential Iraqi political figure and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also condemned the attack and said he was “ready to cooperate” with the Iraqi government in protecting civilians and diplomatic missions.
“No one has the right to use weapons outside the jurisdiction of the state,” the top cleric said. Anyone who does so is either “a terrorist or outside of the Sharia (Islamic law) and the law,” he added, condemning the rocket attack against the US embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone of Baghdad earlier in the day.
Initially, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi appeared to be a sort of figure of compromise, with all sides – the pro-Iranian and the pro-US ones accepting him as a viable leader, but that seems to have passed.
And according to US-state funded VOA News, al-Kadhimi appears to have “come out on top” in a battle with pro-Iranian Shi’ite militias from the PMU.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustapha al-Kadhimi, accompanied by his top military advisers, has inspected parts of the capital, Baghdad, visiting several key security centers and taking selfies with ordinary citizens.
The prime minister’s impromptu inspections came amid a show-of-force with several pro-Iranian Shi’ite militia commanders, including Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asa’ib Ahl al Haq militia, over the arrest of a militia member accused of firing rockets at the U.S. Embassy compound.
Even Israeli media reported that al-Kadhimi appears to be walking on a “tight rope”.
“Kadhimi is walking a tightrope. The Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, part of the Hashd, which is part of the security forces, has threatened the prime minister, US forces in Iraq and Iraq’s sovereignty itself.”
Asaib is run by Qais Khazali, a former US detainee who was held at Camp Cropper. He is a former ally of Muqtada al-Sadr in 2004 but broke off from him and became a Shi’ite militia gang leader.
Khazali fought the Americans, linked up with Lebanese Hezbollah, got himself sanctioned by the US and built Asaib into a formidable military force and armed gang. Asaib was part of the 100,000 members of the Hashd who fought ISIS and have opposed the US role in Iraq.
If al-Kadhimi continues his recent policy, it is possible that he might be met with a firm resistance from the PMU and others.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Lukashenko Accuses Ukraine Of Attempting To Fuel “Minsk Maidan”

On December 25th , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made a claim that the protests in Belarus have been fueled from outside , and being supplied with equipment and even weaponry from Ukraine .
This is an open secret , which has been known for a while , the protests being coordinated from Poland was an established fact , this just comes in addition to that .
This is not the first time that such accusations against Ukraine have been heard from the mouth of the Belarusian president .
It all began with accusations that Ukrainian radicals were entering the territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants in anti-government protests , were trying to transfer them into a destructive channel .
Today Lukashenka is already talking about the events that the Belarusian security forces qualify as extremism and terrorism .
And the main characters in these events are somehow connected with Ukraine .
Of course , there is no absolutely concrete evidence that the internal political crisis developing on the territory of Belarus was provoked from the territory and with the participation of Ukraine .
But Lukashenko ’ s statements that Ukraine has picked up the situation and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Minsk for several months are not groundless .
In late October , Belarusian border guards detained four people in the immediate vicinity of the border with Ukraine .
Minsk stated that these people staged a series of arson attacks and attacks on the authorities and tried to cross the border to Ukraine .
According to official sources , members of this group set fire to the traffic police building in Mozyr .
Earlier , they also organized an attack on the headquarters of the State Committee for Forensic Expertise in Soligorsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of course , everyone was armed and well equipped .
On December 8 , 2020 , the Belarusian security forces reported that they had captured a group that carried out attacks in the Grodno region .
They were accused of carrying out the explosion of the car , the arson of the house of an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs .
Acts of violence began in October and were clearly aimed at radicalizing the protest movement .
In addition , Mikalai Autukhovich , although not among the leaders of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biography .
Convicted in 2006 for tax evasion , Autukhovich somehow unexpectedly for everyone received the status of a political prisoner , and officials of the European Union and the United States began to insist on his release .
When he was released in 2010 , Autukhovich was soon arrested again and imprisoned for illegal possession of weapons , now for four years .
In retrospect it is difficult to judge what actually caused Autukhovich ’ s misadventures – his entrepreneurial activities or connections with the opposition , but he was released , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime can only be removed by force .
It really doesn ’ t matter why Autukhovich entered the protests , but rather if he has any ties to Ukraine .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine , after Lukashenko ’ s statements , began to actively refute them , and the speaker of the department , Oleg Nikolenko , even wrote a tweet with the following content : It ’ s likely that nobody believes that Autukhovich received support from representatives of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry .
It also is of little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite trivial .
The situation is quite simple with Autukhovich .
He was recently in Kiev and met with Elena Vasilyeva , the head of the Ukrainian charitable foundation “ Belaruski Maidan ” .
Yes , such a fund really works on the territory of Ukraine , moreover , on November 24 , 2020 , it was registered as a legal entity , which suggests that the current government simply can not but know about its existence .
In general , the cards have been revealed , and today it is already clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really trying to export its model of “ Maidan ” to the territory of Belarus , and is doing it quite progressively .
By the way , on the pages in social networks belonging to Vasilyeva and others like her , there is an active promotion of the Belarusian “ Young Front ” – a nationalist organization that also supports the leaders of a similar Ukrainian movement – Bandera , Shukhevych and others .
So , how unlikely is it that Lukashenko is simply spreading fear and it ’ s not really plausible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights activists ” ) are active in Belarus and are attempting to export the Maidan and test it out first on its neighbors , then , potentially , further away ?
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
A Year of a Good Old Enemy !
• Protests Continue , As Lukashenko Realizes Importance Of Propaganda Campaign

Support SouthFront
On December 25th, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made a claim that the protests in Belarus have been fueled from outside, and being supplied with equipment and even weaponry from Ukraine.
This is an open secret, which has been known for a while, the protests being coordinated from Poland was an established fact, this just comes in addition to that.
This is not the first time that such accusations against Ukraine have been heard from the mouth of the Belarusian president.
It all began with accusations that Ukrainian radicals were entering the territory of Belarus, who, joining the participants in anti-government protests, were trying to transfer them into a destructive channel. Today Lukashenka is already talking about the events that the Belarusian security forces qualify as extremism and terrorism. And the main characters in these events are somehow connected with Ukraine.
Of course, there is no absolutely concrete evidence that the internal political crisis developing on the territory of Belarus was provoked from the territory and with the participation of Ukraine. But Lukashenko’s statements that Ukraine has picked up the situation and has been trying to export “Maidan” to Minsk for several months are not groundless.
In late October, Belarusian border guards detained four people in the immediate vicinity of the border with Ukraine. Minsk stated that these people staged a series of arson attacks and attacks on the authorities and tried to cross the border to Ukraine. According to official sources, members of this group set fire to the traffic police building in Mozyr. Earlier, they also organized an attack on the headquarters of the State Committee for Forensic Expertise in Soligorsk and on the district prosecutor’s office. Of course, everyone was armed and well equipped.
On December 8, 2020, the Belarusian security forces reported that they had captured a group that carried out attacks in the Grodno region. They were accused of carrying out the explosion of the car, the arson of the house of an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Acts of violence began in October and were clearly aimed at radicalizing the protest movement.
“Recently we detained Autukhovich’s group. These most recent scoundrels. Now we have opened all their channels. They were carrying tons of weapons across Ukraine. And if our guys (I ordered everyone to receive state awards immediately) they had not been covered, oh, we would have had a New Year … I, frankly, underestimated it. The State Security Committee reported to me. Well, you have to, deal with him … I underestimated,” Lukashenko personally commented on this event.
In addition, Mikalai Autukhovich, although not among the leaders of the Belarusian opposition, has a rather interesting biography.
Convicted in 2006 for tax evasion, Autukhovich somehow unexpectedly for everyone received the status of a political prisoner, and officials of the European Union and the United States began to insist on his release. When he was released in 2010, Autukhovich was soon arrested again and imprisoned for illegal possession of weapons, now for four years.
In retrospect it is difficult to judge what actually caused Autukhovich’s misadventures – his entrepreneurial activities or connections with the opposition, but he was released, having a clear belief that the Lukashenka regime can only be removed by force.
It really doesn’t matter why Autukhovich entered the protests, but rather if he has any ties to Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, after Lukashenko’s statements, began to actively refute them, and the speaker of the department, Oleg Nikolenko, even wrote a tweet with the following content:
“We categorically reject the next insinuations of Alexander Lukashenko. The rhetoric about interference, the mantra about “weapons from Ukraine” clearly fit into Lukashenka’s policy of intimidating the Belarusian people,” the diplomat said.
It’s likely that nobody believes that Autukhovich received support from representatives of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. It also is of little difference, schemes such as these are quite trivial.
The situation is quite simple with Autukhovich. He was recently in Kiev and met with Elena Vasilyeva, the head of the Ukrainian charitable foundation “Belaruski Maidan”. Yes, such a fund really works on the territory of Ukraine, moreover, on November 24, 2020, it was registered as a legal entity, which suggests that the current government simply cannot but know about its existence.
“The task of our foundation is to help promote Belarusian national leaders,” Elena Vasilyeva said in an interview with the Crimean Tatar ATR channel. Apparently, certain hopes were also pinned on Autukhovich, referring him to the promising oppositionists of the new wave.
In general, the cards have been revealed, and today it is already clear to everyone without exception that Ukraine is really trying to export its model of “Maidan” to the territory of Belarus, and is doing it quite progressively.
By the way, on the pages in social networks belonging to Vasilyeva and others like her, there is an active promotion of the Belarusian “Young Front” – a nationalist organization that also supports the leaders of a similar Ukrainian movement – Bandera, Shukhevych and others.
So, how unlikely is it that Lukashenko is simply spreading fear and it’s not really plausible that Ukrainian radicals (and also “human rights activists”) are active in Belarus and are attempting to export the Maidan and test it out first on its neighbors, then, potentially, further away?
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Russian Military’s 2021 Calendar Showcases Orion Combat Drone Armed With Guided Weapons

Click to see the full-size image On December 28 , the Russian Defense Ministry released 2021 calendars .
The picture of May 2021 shows the unmanned aerial vehicle “ Orion ” ( the project name “ Inohodets ” ) .
The unmanned aerial vehicle is designed for strike and reconnaissance operations .
On the image it is armed with KAB-20/50 small-size guided bombs .
The UAV is already entering service with the Russian military .
Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Another variant of the calendar showing Russian troops : Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On December 28, the Russian Defense Ministry released 2021 calendars. The picture of May 2021 shows the unmanned aerial vehicle “Orion” (the project name “Inohodets”). The unmanned aerial vehicle is designed for strike and reconnaissance operations. On the image it is armed with KAB-20/50 small-size guided bombs. The UAV is already entering service with the Russian military.
The full calendar:
Another variant of the calendar showing Russian troops:
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Azerbaijan Claims Armenia Carried Out Military Provocation In Artsakh, Threatens Response

On December 27th , an “ illegal Armenian armed group ” allegedly encroached on areas under control by Azerbaijan ’ s forces , the Ministry of Defense reported .
According to the report , 6 Armenian soldiers were killed , and 1 Azerbaijani soldier was lost in return .
“ On December 27 , at about 15:30 , an illegal Armenian armed group or a detachment of six remnants of the Armenian armed forces that remained in the territory attacked the units of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of the Aghdam ( Akaku ) village of the Khojavend region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army , soldier Ganbarov Elmir Rayil was killed and soldier Aliyev Emin Suleyman has been injured .
The wounded soldier was evacuated to a medical institution after providing first medical aid , and nothing threatens his life .
As a result of the actions taken , all six members of the illegal Armenian armed group were annihilated .
If such a case would happen again , the Azerbaijan Army will take firm measures.
” The Azerbaijani side is waiting for a situation like this , be it an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carry out a security operation .
It could also be considered evidence that the forces are carrying out exercises , which the Ministry of Defense openly advertises .
Armenian media called this incident a false flag and reminded that a few weeks ago 6 Armenian soldiers vanished while lost in a forest in Hadrut region .
“ If you remember several days ago six Armenian soldiers were rescued from Hadrut region forests , where they got lost.They were able to make a call , and before it was traced by Azeri forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacekeeping and Armenian forces .
Soldiers mentioned in one of the interviews that the original group consisted of 21 member and decided to split in order to survive .
Independent analysts and sources mention there might be couple of hundreds of lost soldiers in Hadrut region .
Yesterday the Armenian segment of internet spread the news of a young soldier , Vanik calling home after 91 day of being missing .
According to Azerbaijani MOD the fights erupted some time after .
You can make your own assumptions.
” Ahmad Shahidov- Human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democracy and Human Rights made some interesting claims on Twitter , entirely in line with the values of “ democracy and human rights.
” Azerbaijan also put Artsakh President Araik Haratyunyan on the international wanted list , and there is a possibility of a military operation to capture the official .
In response to the situation , the Artsakh authorities released a statement : “ The Azerbaijani side continues to spread misinformation about the alleged attack by an “ Armenian armed group “ on a unit of the Azerbaijani army yesterday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this recently .
As we announced a few hours ago , we confirm that throughout yesterday , until this moment , not a single unit of the Azerbaijani Defense Army , not a single serviceman took part in any operations , there was no emergency situation registered , no not a single shot from the Armenian side .
At the same time , the statement of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan can not be called otherwise than a propaganda provocation .
The Azerbaijani Defense Army continues to strictly observe the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Artsakh Republic said .
Finally , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a statement saying that snap elections were possible under certain conditions , he also spoke of CSTO , opposition and Syunik .
“ I suggest a mechanism by which everyone ’ s voice is heard .
This is a mechanism for creating public solidarity .
The debate is over who should decide the fate of the government .
The fate of the government must be decided by the people .
The pre-election campaign is an opportunity for everyone to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations and present evidence .
At the time of the signing of the November 9 agreement , more than 90 percent of Kubatlu and Zangelan was under the control of Azerbaijan , so there was a verbal realization that certain border points should be clarified there .
At the time when it was clear that a war could break out over this issue and that it could pass to the Syunik region , we took measures to ensure the security of Syunik .
The essence of the measure taken is that the zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CSTO area of responsibility .
There are no such words as Syunik , Meghri , or corridor in the agreement .
The red line is our territorial integrity .
Yesterday Upper Lars was closed for all types of cars .
If it turns out that we can have railway communication with Russia , Iran through Nakhichevan , will it be good news for us or bad ?
How do we imagine that we should go to Russia through the territory of Nakhichevan and Azerbaijan , but Azerbaijan can ’ t go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nakhichevan-Azerbaijan connection through Armenia The opposition had all the opportunities to ensure the generation of the masses around the resignation of the Prime Minister during this period .
They have huge media , financial , organizational resources , which the government doesn ’ t have , but it ’ s obvious that this demand hasn ’ t been received and will not receive public support .
Let ’ s not think of coup d ’ etat and internal conflict scenarios , but allow the people to resolve this situation.
” Protests against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up power , and also refuses to acknowledge any mistakes , the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is not in full chaos , thanks to the Russian peacekeepers , in Armenia the situation , however , is quite chaotic .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • President Aliyev : We Could Carry Out Military Operation In Armenia , But We Don ’ t Want To

Support SouthFront
On December 27th, an “illegal Armenian armed group” allegedly encroached on areas under control by Azerbaijan’s forces, the Ministry of Defense reported.
According to the report, 6 Armenian soldiers were killed, and 1 Azerbaijani soldier was lost in return.
“On December 27, at about 15:30, an illegal Armenian armed group or a detachment of six remnants of the Armenian armed forces that remained in the territory attacked the units of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of the Aghdam (Akaku) village of the Khojavend region. As a result of the attack a serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army, soldier Ganbarov Elmir Rayil was killed and soldier Aliyev Emin Suleyman has been injured. The wounded soldier was evacuated to a medical institution after providing first medical aid, and nothing threatens his life.
As a result of the actions taken, all six members of the illegal Armenian armed group were annihilated.
If such a case would happen again, the Azerbaijan Army will take firm measures.”
The Azerbaijani side is waiting for a situation like this, be it an actual one or a false flag, to carry out a security operation.
It could also be considered evidence that the forces are carrying out exercises, which the Ministry of Defense openly advertises.
Armenian media called this incident a false flag and reminded that a few weeks ago 6 Armenian soldiers vanished while lost in a forest in Hadrut region.
“If you remember several days ago six Armenian soldiers were rescued from Hadrut region forests, where they got lost.They were able to make a call, and before it was traced by Azeri forces, the soldiers were discovered by Russian peacekeeping and Armenian forces. Soldiers mentioned in one of the interviews that the original group consisted of 21 member and decided to split in order to survive. Independent analysts and sources mention there might be couple of hundreds of lost soldiers in Hadrut region. Yesterday the Armenian segment of internet spread the news of a young soldier, Vanik calling home after 91 day of being missing. According to Azerbaijani MOD the fights erupted some time after. You can make your own assumptions.”
Ahmad Shahidov- Human rights defender, Head of Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights made some interesting claims on Twitter, entirely in line with the values of “democracy and human rights.”
The #Armenian people have a disease, the Armenian society has been suffering from this disease for many years – they declare everything in the world as their own. The name of this disease is Armenian! — Ahmad Shahidov (@shahidovcom) December 28, 2020
A new war with #Armenia is now inevitable … This time the war will go to the territory of Armenia … #Azerbaijan should create a 20-30 km security zone for itself, which may be in the territory of Armenia only… — Ahmad Shahidov (@shahidovcom) December 27, 2020
Azerbaijan also put Artsakh President Araik Haratyunyan on the international wanted list, and there is a possibility of a military operation to capture the official.
The #Azerbaijani government has officially put the terrorist @Pres_Artsakh Araik Harutyunyan on the international wanted list. Operations may be carried out in #Khankendi (#Stepanakert) to capture him pic.twitter.com/JFAzVT9mGd — Ahmad Shahidov (@shahidovcom) December 28, 2020
In response to the situation, the Artsakh authorities released a statement:
“The Azerbaijani side continues to spread misinformation about the alleged attack by an “Armenian armed group “on a unit of the Azerbaijani army yesterday. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan also spoke about this recently. As we announced a few hours ago, we confirm that throughout yesterday, until this moment, not a single unit of the Azerbaijani Defense Army, not a single serviceman took part in any operations, there was no emergency situation registered, no not a single shot from the Armenian side. At the same time, the statement of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan cannot be called otherwise than a propaganda provocation. The Azerbaijani Defense Army continues to strictly observe the ceasefire regime, ” the Defense Ministry of the Artsakh Republic said.
Finally, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a statement saying that snap elections were possible under certain conditions, he also spoke of CSTO, opposition and Syunik.
“I suggest a mechanism by which everyone’s voice is heard. This is a mechanism for creating public solidarity. The debate is over who should decide the fate of the government. The fate of the government must be decided by the people. The pre-election campaign is an opportunity for everyone to stand before the people, to voice the accusations and present evidence. At the time of the signing of the November 9 agreement, more than 90 percent of Kubatlu and Zangelan was under the control of Azerbaijan, so there was a verbal realization that certain border points should be clarified there. At the time when it was clear that a war could break out over this issue and that it could pass to the Syunik region, we took measures to ensure the security of Syunik. The essence of the measure taken is that the zone under control coincides with the territories within the CSTO area of responsibility. There are no such words as Syunik, Meghri, or corridor in the agreement. The red line is our territorial integrity. Yesterday Upper Lars was closed for all types of cars. If it turns out that we can have railway communication with Russia, Iran through Nakhichevan, will it be good news for us or bad? How do we imagine that we should go to Russia through the territory of Nakhichevan and Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan can’t go to Nakhichevan through our territory? Pashinyan on Nakhichevan-Azerbaijan connection through Armenia The opposition had all the opportunities to ensure the generation of the masses around the resignation of the Prime Minister during this period. They have huge media, financial, organizational resources, which the government doesn’t have, but it’s obvious that this demand hasn’t been received and will not receive public support. Let’s not think of coup d’etat and internal conflict scenarios, but allow the people to resolve this situation.”
Protests against him continue, as he refuses to give up power, and also refuses to acknowledge any mistakes, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is not in full chaos, thanks to the Russian peacekeepers, in Armenia the situation, however, is quite chaotic.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Map Update: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh On December 28, 2020

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh : • On December 27 @ @ @ @ @ by 6 Armenian fighters near Agdam , according to the Azerbaijanш Ministry of Defense .
@ @ @ @ @ soldiers and an Azerbaijani soldier died in clashes ; • On December 28 , the @ @ @ @ @ the Azerbaijani allegations about the Agdam indecent , stating no Armenian unit and no servicemen @ @ @ @ @ Agdam area on December 27 and 28 ; • As of December 28 , Russia @ @ @ @ @ hectares of land and about 120 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs @ @ @ @ @ found and destroyed .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • President Aliyev : We Could @ @ @ @ @ Armenia , But We Don ’ t Want To

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh:
On December 27, Azerbaijani soldiers were attacked by 6 Armenian fighters near Agdam, according to the Azerbaijanш Ministry of Defense. Baku claimed that all Armenian soldiers and an Azerbaijani soldier died in clashes;
On December 28, the Defense Army of Artsakh denied the Azerbaijani allegations about the Agdam indecent, stating no Armenian unit and no servicemen participated in operations in the Agdam area on December 27 and 28;
As of December 28, Russia reported that more than 300 hectares of land and about 120 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 1200 explosive objects were found and destroyed.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Military Situation In Syria On December 28, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 27 @ @ @ @ @ its withdrawal from the Tal Touqan observation post in Idlib province ; • On December @ @ @ @ @ convoy consisting of armored vehicles as well as a special medical vehicle deployed in Ain @ @ @ @ @ an agreement with Turkey regarding the deployment of additional Russian Military Police units to stabilize @ @ @ @ @ ; • On December 27 , artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Mennagh @ @ @ @ @ 27 , The SDF arrested 3 people from the town of al-Shahil ; • On @ @ @ @ @ Military Police conducted a patrol in the city of Qamishli .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ Down Suicide Drone Launched By Militants In Greater Idlib ( Photos )

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 27, the Turkish Army continued its withdrawal from the Tal Touqan observation post in Idlib province;
On December 27, a Russian military convoy consisting of armored vehicles as well as a special medical vehicle deployed in Ain Issa;
Russia announced an agreement with Turkey regarding the deployment of additional Russian Military Police units to stabilize the situation in Ain Issa;
On December 27, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Mennagh Airbase;
On December 27, The SDF arrested 3 people from the town of al-Shahil;
On December 27, the Russian Military Police conducted a patrol in the city of Qamishli.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Never Belonging: George Blake’s Spy Exploits

Filling the espionage ranks with legions of the non-belonging comes with its share of risk .
The process is counter-intuitive , putting stock in skill and aptitude above the potential compromise of loyalty and divergence .
Eventually , such a recruit might find a set of closely guarded principles .
The son of a Sephardic Jew and Dutch Protestant might well count as excellent material for British intelligence but George Behar ended up condemned in Britain and the toast of the now defunct Soviet Union .
George Blake , as he came to be known , along with that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philby , was always convinced that to authentically betray , you had to belong .
That belonging came in loyalty to the Soviet Union .
As Russian President Vladimir Putin declared solemnly on Blake ’ s passing this month , “ The memory of this legendary person will be preserved forever in our hearts.
” The clandestine world of the Rotterdam-born Blake began early .
He joined the Dutch resistance during World War II , serving as a courier after obtaining a set of forged papers .
Under British instruction , he travelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and made his way through neutral Spain , enduring a three-month period of imprisonment before making it to Britain via Gibraltar in January 1943 .
A spell with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve led to his enlistment into the ranks of British intelligence in 1944 .
There , he was charged with deciphering coded messages from the Dutch resistance .
After the war , his intelligence brief followed the pattern that would lead to his imminent conversion .
He was tasked with keeping an eye on the Soviet forces in occupation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at .
He undertook courses in Russian at Cambridge .
Then came the Communist states to the east : North Korea , the People ’ s Republic of China , and the Soviet Far East .
Stationed in South Korea just before the outbreak of the Korean War in November 1948 , he was given the herculean mission of creating networks within North Korea itself .
In June 1950 , he was captured by forces of the DPRK and interned with a coterie of diplomats and missionaries .
The internment period of 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his push towards the communist cause came during this time , a reaction to particularly brutal war methods , notably those used by the US Air Force .
“ It made me feel ashamed of belonging to these overpowering technical superior countries fighting against what seemed to be quite defenceless people.
” The destruction of Korean villages , and a reading diet of Karl Marx , granted him alibis for the cause .
“ I felt it better for humanity if the communist system prevailed , that it would put an end to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the case , but Rebecca West , in her eminently interesting study of treachery in , suggests a conversion during his time in the Dutch underground .
Blake himself remained cryptic in his later days .
“ It is no longer of particular importance to me whether my motivations are generally understood or not , ” he told the BBC ’ s Gordon Corera a decade before his death .
On his return to England in 1953 as a free man , Blake had already been recruited as a Soviet agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent was affirmed from his time in Berlin , where he was sent in 1955 with the mission of recruiting Soviet double agents .
For almost a decade Blake passed on information to his KGB handlers both bountiful and rich .
According to a US estimate , 4,720 pages of documentary material made its way into Soviet hands between April 1953 and April 1961 .
It unmasked 40 MI6 agents in Eastern Europe .
Highly placed agents working for Western agencies such as General Robert Bialek , Inspector General of the People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured , suffering death or imprisonment .
Blake ’ s work also enabled the Soviets to score successes against the US Central Intelligence Agency .
The late CIA case officer William Hood is convinced that Blake played a salient role in unmasking Peter Popov , an officer of the GRU , the Soviet Union ’ s military intelligence service and , it so happens , a CIA agent .
The greatest of blows , however , came in the exposure of the CIA Berlin Tunnel , which featured the tapping of three Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months and 11 days over 1955-6 .
Conducted jointly with British intelligence , Operation Gold involved the digging of a 1,476 feet tunnel six feet in diameter from West Berlin into the communist eastern sector of the city .
Blake had foreknowledge of the tunnel , but a decision was made by the Soviets to prevent its initial exposure so as not to draw suspicion to their valuable mole .
The discovery of the project was duly engineered as an accident ; British and US intelligence were left out of pocket , furnished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blake ’ s undoing came with the defection of Polish secret service officer , Michael Goleniewski .
On his recall to London , he was arrested and pleaded guilty to five counts of passing information to the Soviet Union , breaching the Official Secrets Act .
The case proved exceptional in a few respects .
There was the severity of the sentence : 42 years .
There was the breach of convention : the call made by the Lord Chief Justice Hubert Parker , to the then British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked by the decision .
“ The LCJ has passed a savage sentence – 42 years !
” The Lord Chief Justice thought the time fitting , as Blake had , in his opinion , rendered much of the best efforts by British intelligence useless .
The sentencing came as a rude shock to Blake , having expected a term of 14 years .
It also served to inspire support for his cause .
“ As a result , I found a lot of people who were willing to help me for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He would not be disappointed .
In 1966 , with the assistance of two anti-nuclear campaigners , Michael Randle and Pat Pottle , aided by Sean Burke , a colourful Irish petty criminal , Blake made his escape from London ’ s Wormwood Scrubs .
Both Bourke and Blake were smuggled out of Britain and to East Germany .
Blake ’ s final destination would be the Soviet Union , where a colonel ’ s rank with the KGB , awards and belonging awaited .
The British establishment was left reeling .
Randle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions to save Blake from a sentence “ vicious and indefensible , reflecting no credit on British justice but rather the obsessions of the Cold War , and the hypocrisy and double standards over espionage by ‘ our ’ side and ‘ theirs ’ .
” To have spied for the Soviet Union was “ no more reprehensible , morally or politically , than much of the activity of Western Intelligence Agencies.
” One CIA note on Blake ’ s escape is sour .
“ The facts of the escape demonstrated beyond doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The buoying effect upon the morale of Soviet spies everywhere can be easily imagined.
” Once in the business of espionage , everything must have a sinister design , an architectural base upon which to reap success and failure .
One could always blame those other worthy agents of history , incompetence and complacence .
The journalist Philip Knightley , an accomplished student on the subject of espionage , points to a third : opportunity .
The exploits of the Cambridge set – Anthony Blunt , Guy Burgess , Donald Maclean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence .
But Blake proved more devastating than all of them , though measuring that contribution is a near impossible task .
Britain ’ s secret services , as Andrew Boyle concludes , were embarrassed for both the harsh judicial sentence against Blake and the fact that his case “ made , and still makes , the SIS the laughing-stock of the world.
” The skilled spy outwitted the SIS and CIA ; the KGB gave him deserved recognition .
Had it not been for Blake ’ s own confession – the SIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Soviets – he might never have been nabbed .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Filling the espionage ranks with legions of the non-belonging comes with its share of risk. The process is counter-intuitive, putting stock in skill and aptitude above the potential compromise of loyalty and divergence. Eventually, such a recruit might find a set of closely guarded principles.
The son of a Sephardic Jew and Dutch Protestant might well count as excellent material for British intelligence but George Behar ended up condemned in Britain and the toast of the now defunct Soviet Union. George Blake, as he came to be known, along with that other great British export of betrayal, Kim Philby, was always convinced that to authentically betray, you had to belong. That belonging came in loyalty to the Soviet Union. As Russian President Vladimir Putin declared solemnly on Blake’s passing this month, “The memory of this legendary person will be preserved forever in our hearts.”
The clandestine world of the Rotterdam-born Blake began early. He joined the Dutch resistance during World War II, serving as a courier after obtaining a set of forged papers. Under British instruction, he travelled through Brussels and Paris to unoccupied France, and made his way through neutral Spain, enduring a three-month period of imprisonment before making it to Britain via Gibraltar in January 1943. A spell with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve led to his enlistment into the ranks of British intelligence in 1944. There, he was charged with deciphering coded messages from the Dutch resistance.
After the war, his intelligence brief followed the pattern that would lead to his imminent conversion. He was tasked with keeping an eye on the Soviet forces in occupation of East Germany, a task he excelled at. He undertook courses in Russian at Cambridge. Then came the Communist states to the east: North Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and the Soviet Far East. Stationed in South Korea just before the outbreak of the Korean War in November 1948, he was given the herculean mission of creating networks within North Korea itself. In June 1950, he was captured by forces of the DPRK and interned with a coterie of diplomats and missionaries.
The internment period of 34 months proved critical. Blake claimed that his push towards the communist cause came during this time, a reaction to particularly brutal war methods, notably those used by the US Air Force. “It made me feel ashamed of belonging to these overpowering technical superior countries fighting against what seemed to be quite defenceless people.” The destruction of Korean villages, and a reading diet of Karl Marx, granted him alibis for the cause. “I felt it better for humanity if the communist system prevailed, that it would put an end to war.”
The credulous might think this to be the case, but Rebecca West, in her eminently interesting study of treachery in The Meaning of Treason, suggests a conversion during his time in the Dutch underground. Blake himself remained cryptic in his later days. “It is no longer of particular importance to me whether my motivations are generally understood or not,” he told the BBC’s Gordon Corera a decade before his death.
On his return to England in 1953 as a free man, Blake had already been recruited as a Soviet agent. His status as a full-blooded double agent was affirmed from his time in Berlin, where he was sent in 1955 with the mission of recruiting Soviet double agents.
For almost a decade Blake passed on information to his KGB handlers both bountiful and rich. According to a US estimate, 4,720 pages of documentary material made its way into Soviet hands between April 1953 and April 1961. It unmasked 40 MI6 agents in Eastern Europe. Highly placed agents working for Western agencies such as General Robert Bialek, Inspector General of the People’s Police in East Germany, were captured, suffering death or imprisonment.
Blake’s work also enabled the Soviets to score successes against the US Central Intelligence Agency. The late CIA case officer William Hood is convinced that Blake played a salient role in unmasking Peter Popov, an officer of the GRU, the Soviet Union’s military intelligence service and, it so happens, a CIA agent.
The greatest of blows, however, came in the exposure of the CIA Berlin Tunnel, which featured the tapping of three Soviet communications cables, an operation lasting 11 months and 11 days over 1955-6. Conducted jointly with British intelligence, Operation Gold involved the digging of a 1,476 feet tunnel six feet in diameter from West Berlin into the communist eastern sector of the city. Blake had foreknowledge of the tunnel, but a decision was made by the Soviets to prevent its initial exposure so as not to draw suspicion to their valuable mole. The discovery of the project was duly engineered as an accident; British and US intelligence were left out of pocket, furnished with a trove of useless disinformation.
Blake’s undoing came with the defection of Polish secret service officer, Michael Goleniewski. On his recall to London, he was arrested and pleaded guilty to five counts of passing information to the Soviet Union, breaching the Official Secrets Act. The case proved exceptional in a few respects. There was the severity of the sentence: 42 years. There was the breach of convention: the call made by the Lord Chief Justice Hubert Parker, to the then British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan to discuss the case. Even Macmillan was shocked by the decision. “The LCJ has passed a savage sentence – 42 years!” The Lord Chief Justice thought the time fitting, as Blake had, in his opinion, rendered much of the best efforts by British intelligence useless.
The sentencing came as a rude shock to Blake, having expected a term of 14 years. It also served to inspire support for his cause. “As a result, I found a lot of people who were willing to help me for the reason they thought it was inhuman.”
He would not be disappointed. In 1966, with the assistance of two anti-nuclear campaigners, Michael Randle and Pat Pottle, aided by Sean Burke, a colourful Irish petty criminal, Blake made his escape from London’s Wormwood Scrubs. Both Bourke and Blake were smuggled out of Britain and to East Germany. Blake’s final destination would be the Soviet Union, where a colonel’s rank with the KGB, awards and belonging awaited.
The British establishment was left reeling. Randle and Pottle went on to justify their actions to save Blake from a sentence “vicious and indefensible, reflecting no credit on British justice but rather the obsessions of the Cold War, and the hypocrisy and double standards over espionage by ‘our’ side and ‘theirs’.” To have spied for the Soviet Union was “no more reprehensible, morally or politically, than much of the activity of Western Intelligence Agencies.”
One CIA note on Blake’s escape is sour. “The facts of the escape demonstrated beyond doubt that it was engineered by the Soviets. The buoying effect upon the morale of Soviet spies everywhere can be easily imagined.” Once in the business of espionage, everything must have a sinister design, an architectural base upon which to reap success and failure. One could always blame those other worthy agents of history, incompetence and complacence. The journalist Philip Knightley, an accomplished student on the subject of espionage, points to a third: opportunity.
The exploits of the Cambridge set – Anthony Blunt, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, John Cairncross and Philby – soiled British intelligence. But Blake proved more devastating than all of them, though measuring that contribution is a near impossible task. Britain’s secret services, as Andrew Boyle concludes, were embarrassed for both the harsh judicial sentence against Blake and the fact that his case “made, and still makes, the SIS the laughing-stock of the world.” The skilled spy outwitted the SIS and CIA; the KGB gave him deserved recognition. Had it not been for Blake’s own confession – the SIS having authorised him to maintain close connections with the Soviets – he might never have been nabbed.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--German Pilot Draws Giant ‘Sky Syringe’ As Vaccinations Begin

Ahead of the first doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in Germany this weekend , a creative pilot with a wild imagination and the knack for entering coordinates in his GPS logged flight hours by drawing a ‘ sky syringe.
’ RT News reports pilot Samy Kramer spent a great deal of time entering the coordinates to create a syringe-shaped flight path over German skies as he needed to log flight hours .
He flew a Diamond DA20 Katana , a light aircraft with seating for two and a top speed of 159 mph , and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his movements had to be precise .
Flightradar24 captured other pilots expressing their creative side by entering coordinates in their GPS to construct virus-related sky drawings .
This sky drawing , conducted by another pilot reads , “ stay home.
” The second is a hospital cross that is connected with a thumbs up .
The third is the abbreviation “ NHS , ” which stands for the United Kingdom National Health Service .
Not too long ago , Russian pilots chose a ballsy flight path to show their support for Russian footballer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a giant ‘ sky penis ’ .
Sky penises have also been a big hit with US military pilots .
There have been no reports by Flightradar24 of anti-vaxxer pilots drawing anti-government sky images as of yet .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Gold Comes Off : A COVID-19 Outbreak In Sydney

Support SouthFront
Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
You can read this article in German. LINK
Ahead of the first doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in Germany this weekend, a creative pilot with a wild imagination and the knack for entering coordinates in his GPS logged flight hours by drawing a ‘sky syringe.’
RT News reports pilot Samy Kramer spent a great deal of time entering the coordinates to create a syringe-shaped flight path over German skies as he needed to log flight hours.
“At the moment, I have to collect a lot of flying hours, and instead of just flying like that, I wanted to draw a reminder in the air that you should get vaccinated,” Kramer said.
He flew a Diamond DA20 Katana, a light aircraft with seating for two and a top speed of 159 mph, and said the real challenge came when flying as his movements had to be precise.
Flightradar24 snapped Kramer’s flight path, illustrating a giant sky syringe.
“A pilot in Germany used a Diamond DA20 Katana aircraft to send this message to the world,” the flight tracking website tweeted.
Flightradar24 captured other pilots expressing their creative side by entering coordinates in their GPS to construct virus-related sky drawings.
This sky drawing, conducted by another pilot reads, “stay home.”
The second is a hospital cross that is connected with a thumbs up.
The third is the abbreviation “NHS,” which stands for the United Kingdom National Health Service.
Not too long ago, Russian pilots chose a ballsy flight path to show their support for Russian footballer team captain Artem Dzyuba, by drawing a giant ‘sky penis’.
Sky penises have also been a big hit with US military pilots (see: here & here).
There have been no reports by Flightradar24 of anti-vaxxer pilots drawing anti-government sky images as of yet.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--3 Days Left To Keep SouthFront Alive In 2021

3 DAYS UNTIL THE END OF 2020 Since December 1 , we ’ ve collected 3978 USD .
This is @ @ @ @ @ monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further .
Unlike propaganda structures funded by @ @ @ @ @ operates thanks to the audience ’ s donations .
We will not be able to @ @ @ @ @ WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT , SOUTHFRONT WORK WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE : Donate via VISA , @ @ @ @ @ and other options .
This systems accepts all types of cards , PayPal , Amazon @ @ @ @ @ is under the main text , in P.S . )
You can subscribe for a @ @ @ @ @ ( or any another amount ) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below

Support SouthFront
3 DAYS UNTIL THE END OF 2020
Since December 1, we’ve collected 3978 USD. This is about 80% of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further.
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment, SouthFront operates thanks to the audience’s donations. We will not be able to survive without your help.
WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, SOUTHFRONT WORK WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE:
PayPal
Account: southfront@list.ru
DonationAlerts
Donate via VISA, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other options.
Tinypass (Piano)
This systems accepts all types of cards, PayPal, Amazon Payments, bitcoin (FAQ is under the main text, in P.S.)
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $15 (or any another amount) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below
Patreon
Donate via SouthFront’s Patreon account (click here)
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence Team
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Syrian Army Shot Down Suicide Drone Launched By Militants In Greater Idlib (Photos)

On December 27 , the Reverse Side of the Medal Telegram channel released photos of an improvised suicide drone , which was recently downed near the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
According to the Telegram channel , the drone , which was likely launched by Greater Idlib militants , was downed using electronic warfare means .
Drones with a similar design were used against the Syrian Arab Army and its allies over the past two years .
The drone appears to be made with off-the-shelf electronics and is armed with the warhead of a C-5 air-to-ground rocket , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Larger drones made with the same technology were used in attacks on Russia ’ s Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base on the Syrian coast .
Al-Qaeda ’ s Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , which roles over Greater Idlib , reportedly manufactures and operates these improvised drones .
ISIS , which had more experience and resources than HTS , failed to manufacture suicide drones on a mass scale .
This suggests that HTS received technical support from a third party .
Despite their intensive use over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw little success in attacks on point targets .
Russian and Syrian air-defense and electronic warfare and air defense systems effectively contain the threat from these drones .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Forces Are About To Evacuate One Of Their Last Posts Within Territory Controlled By Syrian Army • Tensions Grow In Al-Qamishli Following Arrest Of Syrian Intelligence Officers By SDF Security Forces

Support SouthFront
On December 27, the Reverse Side of the Medal Telegram channel released photos of an improvised suicide drone, which was recently downed near the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
According to the Telegram channel, the drone, which was likely launched by Greater Idlib militants, was downed using electronic warfare means.
Drones with a similar design were used against the Syrian Arab Army and its allies over the past two years. The drone appears to be made with off-the-shelf electronics and is armed with the warhead of a C-5 air-to-ground rocket, which was designed in the Soviet Union.
Larger drones made with the same technology were used in attacks on Russia’s Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base on the Syrian coast.
Al-Qaeda’s Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which roles over Greater Idlib, reportedly manufactures and operates these improvised drones.
ISIS, which had more experience and resources than HTS, failed to manufacture suicide drones on a mass scale. This suggests that HTS received technical support from a third party.
Despite their intensive use over the last two years, these improvised drones saw little success in attacks on point targets. Russian and Syrian air-defense and electronic warfare and air defense systems effectively contain the threat from these drones.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--In Video: Russian-Run Training Camp Of Syrian Army

The Russian Defense Ministry ’ s Zvezda TV released a report from a Russian-run training camp of the Syrian Army @ @ @ @ @ : • The Year In Retrospect : What Did Russia ’ s Military Achieve In @ @

Support SouthFront
The Russian Defense Ministry’s Zvezda TV released a report from a Russian-run training camp of the Syrian Army.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Military Situation In Central African Republic On December 28, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in the Central African Republic ( CAR @ @ @ @ @ 27 , the CAR held the 2020 presidential election despite attempts of pro-French armed groups @ @ @ @ @ The full provisional results are expected by the end of the week ; • Sporadic @ @ @ @ @ countryside of Bambari ; • The situation in Kemo and Mbomou prefectures remains tense following @ @ @ @ @ UN peacekeepers on December 26 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Three UN Peacekeepers @ @ @ @ @ African Republic • At Least 220 Killed In Ethiopia ’ s Ethnic Massacre , At @ @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in the Central African Republic (CAR):
On December 27, the CAR held the 2020 presidential election despite attempts of pro-French armed groups to disrupt the election. The full provisional results are expected by the end of the week;
Sporadic firefights were reported in the countryside of Bambari;
The situation in Kemo and Mbomou prefectures remains tense following the attack that killed 3 UN peacekeepers on December 26.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-28--Hezbollah Says It Doubled Its Arsenal Of ‘Precision Missiles’ In 2020

Hezbollah doubled the size of its missile arsenal in 2020 and has the entire territory of Israel inside the range of its precision missiles , the movement ’ s secretary-general speaking to Lebanon ’ s al-Mayadeen television network on December 27 .
“ The number of precision missiles at the resistance ’ s disposal has now doubled what it was a year ago , ” Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said “ Any target across the area of occupied Palestine that we want to hit accurately , we are able to hit accurately.
” The Hezbollah leader claimed that flights of Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion ” of Tel Aviv .
He noted that Hezbollah has adequate weapons against drones and fired at them on several occasions .
“ The flight of Zionist drones in Lebanon ’ s airspace shows a strong fear of the response by the resistance .
The Israelis know that we fired the right weapon at their drones without disclosing it , ” Nasrallah said .
Nasrallah also commented on the US-pushed normalization agreements between several Arab states and Israel .
According to him , these developments were not surprising since “ most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinians only words.
” These agreements , Nasrallah said , only helped end a period of “ hypocrisy ” and indicated that “ the masks have fallen ” and the real nature of the leadership of these states have been exposed .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Click to see full-size image. LINK
Hezbollah doubled the size of its missile arsenal in 2020 and has the entire territory of Israel inside the range of its precision missiles, the movement’s secretary-general speaking to Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television network on December 27.
“The number of precision missiles at the resistance’s disposal has now doubled what it was a year ago,” Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said “Any target across the area of occupied Palestine that we want to hit accurately, we are able to hit accurately.”
The Hezbollah leader claimed that flights of Israeli drones in Lebanese skies reflect the “confusion” of Tel Aviv. He noted that Hezbollah has adequate weapons against drones and fired at them on several occasions.
“The flight of Zionist drones in Lebanon’s airspace shows a strong fear of the response by the resistance. The Israelis know that we fired the right weapon at their drones without disclosing it,” Nasrallah said.
Nasrallah also commented on the US-pushed normalization agreements between several Arab states and Israel. According to him, these developments were not surprising since “most of the Arab regimes used to sell the Palestinians only words.”
“Nothing in the world justifies…giving up Palestine,” he said.
These agreements, Nasrallah said, only helped end a period of “hypocrisy” and indicated that “the masks have fallen” and the real nature of the leadership of these states have been exposed.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Afghan Security Forces Reportedly Arrest Two Suspects, Seize Their Rocket Launcher

On December 29th , Afghan security forces reportedly arrested two suspects before they could fire rockets into Kabul .
The two militants were presumably about to use a vehicle as a launch pad , and it was also seized , together with the rocket launcher .
These reports are unconfirmed .
And it is unclear if the video is brand new or older .
Just a little over two weeks earlier , on December 11th , at least one person was killed and several others were injured as a barrage of rockets hit various spots in Kabul .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired from a firing unit fixed in a car by unknown attackers .
The rockets landed in various parts of the city around the Hamid Karzai International Airport .
Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian confirmed one person was killed and one other was injured when the rockets hit a residential area during morning rush hour .
In November , multiple magnetic bomb blasts and rocket attacks rocked Kabul , killing at least eight people and injuring over 30 .
– On December 29th , the convoy of Parwan prosecutor was attacked by an IED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prosecutor survived the attack – On December 28th , the Afghan Air Force struck Taliban positons in the Panjwai area – On December 28th , 14 people were killed in 2 separate IED attacks in Kabul .
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks – On December 28th , a VBIED attack targeted an Afghan Army position in the Anar Dara area – On December 28th , a civilian was wounded by an IED attack in Mazare Sharif MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On December 29th, Afghan security forces reportedly arrested two suspects before they could fire rockets into Kabul.
The two militants were presumably about to use a vehicle as a launch pad, and it was also seized, together with the rocket launcher.
VIDEO: Afghan security forces have arrested two suspects before they could fire rockets inside Kabul city. Looks like they were about to use that vehicle as a launch pad, a tactic used several times by ISKP in its attacks in recent past. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/z7nVOkj6pO — FJ (@Natsecjeff) December 29, 2020
These reports are unconfirmed. And it is unclear if the video is brand new or older.
Just a little over two weeks earlier, on December 11th, at least one person was killed and several others were injured as a barrage of rockets hit various spots in Kabul.
According to the Interior Ministry, ten rockets were fired from a firing unit fixed in a car by unknown attackers. The rockets landed in various parts of the city around the Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian confirmed one person was killed and one other was injured when the rockets hit a residential area during morning rush hour.
In November, multiple magnetic bomb blasts and rocket attacks rocked Kabul, killing at least eight people and injuring over 30.
– On December 29th, the convoy of Parwan prosecutor was attacked by an IED in Ghulam Ali Bazaar near Bagram. The prosecutor survived the attack
– On December 28th, the Afghan Air Force struck Taliban positons in the Panjwai area
– On December 28th, 14 people were killed in 2 separate IED attacks in Kabul. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks
– On December 28th, a VBIED attack targeted an Afghan Army position in the Anar Dara area
– On December 28th, a civilian was wounded by an IED attack in Mazare Sharif
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Is The COVID-19 Vaccine “Trade War” 2020’s Final Farewell?

Argentina ’ s president Alberto Fernandez is getting international flak for buying Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine from Russia , among other companies and countries .
In his opinion , his country ’ s put in a bad spot , since now it needs to consider whether it should buy more of the Russian vaccine , and this amounted to “ trade war.
” Competitors are eager to “ discredit each other , ” Fernandez told TV Publica in an interview broadcasted on Monday , adding that the coronavirus vaccine market is worth “ tens of billions of dollars.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as everyone hopes for a vaccine , there is a geopolitical debate about who imposes it.
” “ They call it a Russian vaccine and not the Gamaleya vaccine , ” Fernandez said , referring to the drug ’ s developer , the Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute .
He defended his country ’ s decision , simply because Argentina has a massive population , and it just needs vaccines to protect its people and save lives .
“ There are political sectors that inform or misinform , and use this vaccine as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added , noting how some players are interested in “ scaring ” the public away from getting a shot and are “ sowing doubts.
” “ I would not dare to say that one is better than the other .
How do you compare ?
I cared a lot about negotiating with everyone : we are buying vaccines of Covax , of AstraZeneca , we have bought a vaccine from Russia , we continue negotiations with China and we continue the talks with Pfizer , because the truth is that we need vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we start negotiations , and suddenly – don ’ t ask me how – we ’ re apparently sinners for having brought 300,000 doses of vaccine to Argentina , when some other [ nations ] are asking for any vaccine for their people.
” Argentina began a mass vaccination campaign using Sputnik V on December 29th .
Anonymous sources leaked documents that purportedly showed that 12 volunteers have had “ adverse ” side-effects during the trial , among them three volunteers over the age of 60 had suffered from abscesses , abdominal pains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an infectious disease expert at the Ricardo Gutierrez Children ’ s Hospital in Buenos Aires , told La Nacion newspaper that such severe symptoms were “ almost certainly ” not related to the vaccine .
Just days earlier , on Christmas Eve , December 24th , Argentina ’ s President Alberto Fernandez has expressed his gratitude to Russia after a plane from Moscow delivered the first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus to Buenos Aires .
According to a deal signed earlier in December , Argentina will be getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall .
Argentina became the first nation in Latin America to grant approval to Sputnik V. It was done in line with an emergency procedure without local testing .
It is notable what the Argentinian president said , that this is a “ trade war ” .
According to estimates , The US drugmaker Pfizer and the German biotech firm BioNTech stand to bring in nearly $ 13bn in global sales from their coronavirus vaccine in 2021 .
Pfizer ’ s half would be more than the US pharmaceutical group ’ s bestselling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.8bn in 2019 .
Pfizer has agreed to supply 100m doses to the US at a price of $ 39 for a two-shot course , or $ 19.50 per dose , with the option to supply another 500m doses under new terms .
The EU has ordered 200m doses while the UK has ordered 40m .
The global poverty charity Oxfam said the vaccine would be “ zero per cent effective to the people who can ’ t access or afford it ” , and urged the companies to share their vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received €375m from the German government and a €100m loan from the European Investment Bank .
BioNTech is tiny compared to Pfizer , with revenues of €109m last year compared with Pfizer ’ s $ 52bn .
The loss-making US biotech firm Moderna , which has received nearly $ 1bn in research funding from the US government , has priced its vaccine at $ 32 to $ 37 a shot .
According to the website of the Sputnik V , the cost of one dose of the “ Russian vaccine ” would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similarly , to BioNtech and Pfizer ’ s vaccine , it is a two-dose vaccine , meaning it would be worth less than $ 20 for the entire inoculation .
That is much cheaper .
Sputnik V will be nearly two or more times cheaper than foreign vaccines based on mRNA technology with similar efficacy rates .
For Russian citizens , vaccination with Sputnik V will be free of charge .
So , yes , it is a “ trade war ” and massive profits are involved , and Pfizer/BioNtech ’ s vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines aren ’ t called the “ American Vaccine ” or the “ German Vaccine ” , while the “ Russian vaccine ” is used as a derogatory term , and those who purchase it , despite being much cheaper and likely just as effective are “ sinners , ” they could even potentially be subject to sanctions .
Since the COVID-19 vaccine could be used as a lever to pressure smaller countries in purchasing the US/Germany-made ones , instead of the Russian-made one , similarly to how many countries are bullied into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian-made ones , through various mechanisms and namely sanctions regimes .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
A Year of a Good Old Enemy !

Support SouthFront
Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez is getting international flak for buying Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, among other companies and countries.
In his opinion, his country’s put in a bad spot, since now it needs to consider whether it should buy more of the Russian vaccine, and this amounted to “trade war.”
Competitors are eager to “discredit each other,” Fernandez told TV Publica in an interview broadcasted on Monday, adding that the coronavirus vaccine market is worth “tens of billions of dollars.”
“A trade war has been unleashed and, as everyone hopes for a vaccine, there is a geopolitical debate about who imposes it.” “They call it a Russian vaccine and not the Gamaleya vaccine,” Fernandez said, referring to the drug’s developer, the Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute.
He defended his country’s decision, simply because Argentina has a massive population, and it just needs vaccines to protect its people and save lives.
“There are political sectors that inform or misinform, and use this vaccine as part of their game,” he added, noting how some players are interested in “scaring” the public away from getting a shot and are “sowing doubts.” “I would not dare to say that one is better than the other. How do you compare? I cared a lot about negotiating with everyone: we are buying vaccines of Covax, of AstraZeneca, we have bought a vaccine from Russia, we continue negotiations with China and we continue the talks with Pfizer, because the truth is that we need vaccines. We are waiting for others when we start negotiations, and suddenly – don’t ask me how – we’re apparently sinners for having brought 300,000 doses of vaccine to Argentina, when some other [nations] are asking for any vaccine for their people.”
Argentina began a mass vaccination campaign using Sputnik V on December 29th.
Anonymous sources leaked documents that purportedly showed that 12 volunteers have had “adverse” side-effects during the trial, among them three volunteers over the age of 60 had suffered from abscesses, abdominal pains, and blood clot.
Eduardo Lopez, an infectious disease expert at the Ricardo Gutierrez Children’s Hospital in Buenos Aires, told La Nacion newspaper that such severe symptoms were “almost certainly” not related to the vaccine.
Just days earlier, on Christmas Eve, December 24th, Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez has expressed his gratitude to Russia after a plane from Moscow delivered the first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus to Buenos Aires.
Extiendo mi agradecimiento a @cecilianicolini y @carlavizzotti por ponerse al hombro las gestiones, al personal de @Aerolineas_AR por el compromiso, a @ginesggarcia por el trabajo silencioso de cada día y a todo el pueblo argentino por el esfuerzo que hizo este año tan difícil. — Alberto Fernández (@alferdez) December 24, 2020
“Now begins the largest vaccination campaign in our history,” Fernandez, who earlier promised to become the first to get the jab in the country, wrote in a separate message.
According to a deal signed earlier in December, Argentina will be getting 10 million doses of the Russian vaccine overall. Argentina became the first nation in Latin America to grant approval to Sputnik V. It was done in line with an emergency procedure without local testing.
It is notable what the Argentinian president said, that this is a “trade war”.
According to estimates, The US drugmaker Pfizer and the German biotech firm BioNTech stand to bring in nearly $13bn in global sales from their coronavirus vaccine in 2021.
Pfizer’s half would be more than the US pharmaceutical group’s bestselling product, a pneumonia vaccine that generated $5.8bn in 2019.
Pfizer has agreed to supply 100m doses to the US at a price of $39 for a two-shot course, or $19.50 per dose, with the option to supply another 500m doses under new terms. The EU has ordered 200m doses while the UK has ordered 40m.
The global poverty charity Oxfam said the vaccine would be “zero per cent effective to the people who can’t access or afford it”, and urged the companies to share their vaccine with other developers.
the Mainz-based BioNTech received €375m from the German government and a €100m loan from the European Investment Bank. BioNTech is tiny compared to Pfizer, with revenues of €109m last year compared with Pfizer’s $52bn.
The loss-making US biotech firm Moderna, which has received nearly $1bn in research funding from the US government, has priced its vaccine at $32 to $37 a shot.
According to the website of the Sputnik V, the cost of one dose of the “Russian vaccine” would be less than $10 per dose. Similarly, to BioNtech and Pfizer’s vaccine, it is a two-dose vaccine, meaning it would be worth less than $20 for the entire inoculation.
That is much cheaper.
Sputnik V will be nearly two or more times cheaper than foreign vaccines based on mRNA technology with similar efficacy rates. For Russian citizens, vaccination with Sputnik V will be free of charge.
So, yes, it is a “trade war” and massive profits are involved, and Pfizer/BioNtech’s vaccine, as well as Moderna’s vaccines aren’t called the “American Vaccine” or the “German Vaccine”, while the “Russian vaccine” is used as a derogatory term, and those who purchase it, despite being much cheaper and likely just as effective are “sinners,” they could even potentially be subject to sanctions.
Since the COVID-19 vaccine could be used as a lever to pressure smaller countries in purchasing the US/Germany-made ones, instead of the Russian-made one, similarly to how many countries are bullied into purchasing US-made weapons of war, instead of Russian-made ones, through various mechanisms and namely sanctions regimes.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Saudi-led Coalition Bombed Crash Site Of Its Combat Drone Shot Down By Houthis (Video, Map)

The Houthi ( Ansar Allah ) media wing released a video showing strikes of the Saudi-led coalition on the crash site of its own drone , which was shot down by the Houthis earlier in December .
The strikes took place on December 22 , several hours after the announcement of the Houthis that they had downed the CH-4 drone of the Saudi-led coalition .
The intensification of Saudi airstrikes on targets in Yemen came as Saudi-backed forces continued suffering setbacks on the battleground .
The situation is especially hard for pro-Saudi forces in the province of Marib .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemen : • On December 28 , Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in Rahba and Jabal Murad areas ; • On December 29 , clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forced continued in the Madghal area ; • The Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 117 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours ; • On December 28 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Sawadiyah area ; • On December 28 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On December 28 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Khab and Shaaf area ; • On December 28 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Baqim area ; • On December 28 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The Houthi (Ansar Allah) media wing released a video showing strikes of the Saudi-led coalition on the crash site of its own drone, which was shot down by the Houthis earlier in December. The strikes took place on December 22, several hours after the announcement of the Houthis that they had downed the CH-4 drone of the Saudi-led coalition.
The intensification of Saudi airstrikes on targets in Yemen came as Saudi-backed forces continued suffering setbacks on the battleground. The situation is especially hard for pro-Saudi forces in the province of Marib.
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
On December 28, Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in Rahba and Jabal Murad areas;
On December 29, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forced continued in the Madghal area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 117 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
On December 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Sawadiyah area;
On December 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Jabal Murad area;
On December 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Khab and Shaaf area;
On December 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Baqim area;
On December 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabkah On December 29, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh : • On December 29 @ @ @ @ @ in Nagorno-Karabakh started combat training exercises at the equipped training grounds at Stepanakert and Martakert @ @ @ @ @ , the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense released photos , names , surnames , and other @ @ @ @ @ who were killed in the Karabakh war ; • On December 28 , 3 Azerbaijani @ @ @ @ @ an anti-tank mine blast near Hadrut ; • On December 28 , 4 Armenian and @ @ @ @ @ between the two countries thanks to the Russian mediation .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ Flights In Nagorno-Karabakh War , Lost One Single SU-25 Fighter Aircraft

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh:
On December 29, about 200 Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh started combat training exercises at the equipped training grounds at Stepanakert and Martakert;
On December 28, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense released photos, names, surnames, and other information on 2823 Azerbaijani soldiers who were killed in the Karabakh war;
On December 28, 3 Azerbaijani soldiers were reportedly injured by an anti-tank mine blast near Hadrut;
On December 28, 4 Armenian and 2 Azerbaijani POWs were exchanged between the two countries thanks to the Russian mediation.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Military Situation In Syria On December 29, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 29 @ @ @ @ @ militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 20 times : 12 – in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo province , 4 – in Latakia province , 1 – in Hama province ; @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish Army completely withdrew from the Andan observation post ; • As of December @ @ @ @ @ killed , 7 captured and 13 SDF members killed , more than 20 wounded in @ @ @ @ @ according to the SOHR ; • On December 28 , two SDF members were killed @ @ @ @ @ Hajin area ; • On December 28 , the Russian Military Police and the Turkish @ @ @ @ @ in the vicinity of the town of Darbasiyah ; • On December 28 , the @ @ @ @ @ military post in the village of Kadoura ; • On December 28 , Russian warplanes @ @ @ @ @ in the Kabani area .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 29, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 20 times: 12 – in Idlib province, 3 – in Aleppo province, 4 – in Latakia province, 1 – in Hama province;
On December 29, the Turkish Army completely withdrew from the Andan observation post;
As of December 29, 66 Turkish-backed fighters killed, 7 captured and 13 SDF members killed, more than 20 wounded in the Ain Issa clashes, according to the SOHR;
On December 28, two SDF members were killed by an IED blast in Hajin area;
On December 28, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army conducted a joint patrol in the vicinity of the town of Darbasiyah;
On December 28, the Turkish Army established a new military post in the village of Kadoura;
On December 28, Russian warplanes struck positions of Turkish-backed forces in the Kabani area.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-12-29--Palestinian Groups Carry Out Military Drill, Set Up Joint Operations Room Against Israel

On December 28th , Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas started a joint military exercise from Gaza .
A statement was also released from a joint operations room that said any aggression by Israel would be met with a united response .
“ Our decision is unified in responding to any confrontation imposed on our people at any time and place , and the occupation leadership must realize that the mere thought of an adventure against our people will be confronted with all strength and unity and will carry many surprises , ” said Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Hamzah in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drill .
According to Israeli outlet KAN news , Iran requested that the Gazan groups carry out the joint exercise in order to send a message to Israel that any attack could be responded to from all fronts .
Pictures published by Palestinian media from the beginning of the drill showed rockets being fired and drones belonging to the terrorist groups in the air above the Gaza Strip .
They were not fired at Israel , but at the Mediterranean Sea .
Abu Hamzah added that the resistance was also always in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman added that the terrorist groups in Gaza “ will not allow the Zionist enemy to impose rules of engagement that it does not consent to , ” adding that “ shame agreements and failed normalization ceremonies will not change anything on the ground.
” In addition to Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas , according to Israeli media 10 more groups will take part in the exercises .
And reportedly the drill “ comes in the context of enhancing cooperation and joint action between the resistance groups to raise their combat readiness permanently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement by the Gaza-based Joint Operations Room , a group consisting of various factions .
According to the groups , the drill aims to send a “ message of deterrence ” to Israel .
Meanwhile , Israel continues demolishing homes in the Gaza Strip , and there were clashes with citizens .
This all followed an Israeli submarine reportedly openly crossing the Suez canal in a “ show of force ” directed at Iran .
The move was approved by Egypt , according to the Kan public broadcaster , which cited Arab intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced the Persian Gulf , which lies on the other side of Saudi Arabia .
The intelligence sources said the move was meant to “ send a message ” to Iran .
IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said that although Israel was not aware of any specific plans by Iran to attack the Jewish state , Iranian forces could carry out an attack from Iraq or Yemen , according to a translation of the interview by the Ynet news site .
He said Israel had information indicating Iran was developing unmanned aerial vehicles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemen , and that the weapons could have the ability to strike Israel .
In response , the top naval commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Iran was ready to defend itself and was prepared for any scenario .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Vows “ Massive Response ” If Crosses ‘ Red Lines ’ With Sub Presence In Gulf

Support SouthFront
On December 28th, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas started a joint military exercise from Gaza.
? عدسة صفا| صورة منوعة من مناورة الركن الشديد التي أطلقتها الغرفة المشتركة لفصائل المقاومة اليوم pic.twitter.com/mWpCZ7stDm — وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) December 29, 2020
A statement was also released from a joint operations room that said any aggression by Israel would be met with a united response.
? تصميم صفا| الغرفة المشتركة:
قرارنا موحد في خوض أي مواجهة تُفرض على شعبنا في أي زمان ومكان، وعلى قيادة الاحتلال أن تدرك بأن مجرد التفكير في مغامرة ضد شعبنا ستواجه بكل قوة ووحدة وستحمل الكثير من المفاجآت بإذن الله. pic.twitter.com/AQxOKLBiWl — وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) December 29, 2020
“Our decision is unified in responding to any confrontation imposed on our people at any time and place, and the occupation leadership must realize that the mere thought of an adventure against our people will be confronted with all strength and unity and will carry many surprises,” said Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Hamzah in a speech marking the beginning of the drill.
According to Israeli outlet KAN news, Iran requested that the Gazan groups carry out the joint exercise in order to send a message to Israel that any attack could be responded to from all fronts.
Pictures published by Palestinian media from the beginning of the drill showed rockets being fired and drones belonging to the terrorist groups in the air above the Gaza Strip. They were not fired at Israel, but at the Mediterranean Sea.
? متابعة صفا| شاهد لحظة إطلاق رشقة صاروخية إيذانا ببدء مناورات الركن الشديد لفصائل المقاومة الفلسطينية في قطاع غزة صباح اليوم pic.twitter.com/i1D66cF2Df — وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) December 29, 2020
Abu Hamzah added that the resistance was also always in a state of development and improvement.
? تصميم صفا| الغرفة المشتركة:
المقاومة في حالة دائمة من التطور في أدواتها وتكتيكاتها وإدارتها للصراع، وإن العدو قبل الصديق يدرك بأن المقاومة اليوم بفضل الله هي أقوى وأصلب وأكثر قدرة على مواجهته وردعه وإيلامه pic.twitter.com/mlKASjovxW — وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) December 29, 2020
“The resistance is in a constant state of development in its tools, tactics, and management of the conflict, and that the enemy before the friend realizes that the resistance today, thanks to God, is stronger and stronger and more capable of confronting him, deterring him and hurting him.”
The spokesman added that the terrorist groups in Gaza “will not allow the Zionist enemy to impose rules of engagement that it does not consent to,” adding that “shame agreements and failed normalization ceremonies will not change anything on the ground.”
In addition to Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas, according to Israeli media 10 more groups will take part in the exercises.
And reportedly the drill “comes in the context of enhancing cooperation and joint action between the resistance groups to raise their combat readiness permanently and continuously,” according to a statement by the Gaza-based Joint Operations Room, a group consisting of various factions.
According to the groups, the drill aims to send a “message of deterrence” to Israel.
“The main message is that the Palestinian resistance groups are ready to respond to any Israeli aggression,” a Hamas official in the Gaza Strip told reporters.
Meanwhile, Israel continues demolishing homes in the Gaza Strip, and there were clashes with citizens.
? صور من المواجهات مع قوات الاحتلال في الخالدية شرق مدينة يطا بالخليل أثناء محاولة المواطنين منع هدم منازل في منطقة غزيوه. pic.twitter.com/wENCTcA6y2 — وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) December 29, 2020
This all followed an Israeli submarine reportedly openly crossing the Suez canal in a “show of force” directed at Iran.
The move was approved by Egypt, according to the Kan public broadcaster, which cited Arab intelligence sources. The submarine reportedly surfaced and faced the Persian Gulf, which lies on the other side of Saudi Arabia. The intelligence sources said the move was meant to “send a message” to Iran.
IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said that although Israel was not aware of any specific plans by Iran to attack the Jewish state, Iranian forces could carry out an attack from Iraq or Yemen, according to a translation of the interview by the Ynet news site.
He said Israel had information indicating Iran was developing unmanned aerial vehicles and “smart missiles” in Iraq and Yemen, and that the weapons could have the ability to strike Israel.
In response, the top naval commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Iran was ready to defend itself and was prepared for any scenario.
“Forces, systems and equipment are at the desired level of readiness to defend the water borders, the interests and security of our country,” said IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront