southfront--2020-05-22--The Saker: Will Trump Really Start Two Wars Instead of “Just” One?

Written by The Saker ; Originally appeared at The Unz Review Amidst the worldwide pandemic induced scare most of us have probably lost track of all the other potential dangers which still threaten international peace and stability .
Allow me to list just a few headlines which , I strongly believe , deserve much more attention than what they got so far .
Here we go : • : “ 5 Iranian Tankers Head to Venezuela Amid Heightened Tensions Between U.S. and Tehran “ • : “ Iran tankers sailing to Venezuela in effort to undermine US sanctions “ Notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure tactics ” , Time of “ tensions ” and FoxNews of “ efforts to undermined US sanctions ” ?
I don ’ t think that this is a coincidence .
Folks in the US military are much more in touch with reality than the flag-waving prostitutes which some people call “ reporters ” or “ journalists ” .
Furthermore , the US has embarked on a new policy to justify its acts of piracy on the high seas with something called Visit , Board , Search and Seizure ( ) all under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To get a better understanding of the context of these developments I asked a specialist of Maritime issues of our community , NatSouth , who replied the following : ( stress added ) If a ship does not comply with the request to be boarded , it is usual that the pursuing authorities must gain the permission of the ‘ flag ’ state prior to boarding , on the high seas and the pursuit has to have started in the coastal state ’ s jurisdictional waters .
The caveat here is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement ( CRA ) – ( long name : Agreement Concerning Co-operation in Suppressing Illicit Maritime and Air Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the Caribbean Area ) .
So , there is an agreement with participating coastal states on boardings and pursuits in EEZs and the like .
You can find more on the legal aspects of boardings at sea here : https : //scholarlycommons.law.hofstra.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi ?
article=2344 & context=hlr and more info on so-called “ consensual boardings ” here : https : //www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/international-law/the-legal-implications-of-consensual-boarding-international-law-essay.php The anti-drug/ counterterrorism angle allows the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interdictions on the high seas .
Important point to note whether this approach will be taken to interdict the tankers , given that Venezuela is a declared narco-State .
The absurdity is that Venezuela isn ’ t the primary transit point in the region , Colombia holds that honour .
https : //orinocotribune.com/narco-state-the-report-that-leaves-venezuela-on-the-sidelines-of-the-cocaine-route/ If I could add at this point , the origins are that Venezuela didn ’ t wish to play ball with Washington anymore , specifically with the DEA back in 2005 , squaring the circle of sorts , ( or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by Washington , because who is going to argue with that narrative , aka the war on terror ) .
March : SOUTHCOM ’ s Adm. Faller : “ There will be an increase in US military presence in the hemisphere later this year .
This will include an enhanced presence of ships , aircraft , & security forces to reassure our partners… & counter a range of threats to include illicit narco-terrorism.
” At the same time , the State dept released this https : //twitter.com/StateDept/status/1260988270302777350so the US could effectively carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
While the Iranian tankers were in the Mediterranean , Washington released a ( delayed ) “ Global Maritime Sanctions Advisory ” , to the maritime industry , setting out guidelines to shipowners and insurers to enable them to avoid the risks of sanctions penalties related to North Korea , Syria and Iran .
This also concerns oil exports from Iran , ( but doesn ’ t apply to Iranian flagged ships ) .
This came after the State Dept gave warning notice to oil companies to stop operations , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ) and Repsol ( Spain ) .
Then NatSouth concluded the following : What the US is doing is substituting itself for the United Nations and it is now openly claiming the right to board any vessel under whatever kind of pious pretext like , say , narco-trafficing , nuclear proliferation , sanctions against so-called “ rogue states ” , etc .
Clearly , the AngloZionists expect everybody to roll over and take it .
How likely is that ?
Let ’ s look at a few Iranian headlines , all from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fuel shipment to Venezuela guaranteed by its missile power “ • : “ Iran : US bears responsibility for any foolish act against tankers heading to Venezuela “ Three days in a row .
I think that it is fair to assume that the Iranians are trying very hard to convince Uncle Shmuel not to mess with these tankers .
Does anybody seriously believe that the Iranians are bluffing ?
Before we look at some of the aspects of this potential crisis , let ’ s just mention a few things here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in total and official illegality .
Just like the bombing of Syria , the threats to Iran , or the US murderous sanctions Uncle Shmuel imposes left and right – the blockade of Venezuela is a ) totally illegal and b ) an act of war under international law .
Second , if USN commanders think they can operate with impunity only because the Caribbean is far away from Iran , they are kidding themselves .
Yes , Iranian forces can not defend these tankers so far away from home , nor can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Atlantic-Caribbean theater of naval operations .
But what they can and will do is retaliate against any AngloZionist target in the Middle-East , including any oil/gas tanker .
Third , while Venezuela ’ s military is tiny and weak compared to the immensely expensive and bloated US military , being immensely expensive and bloated is no guarantee of success .
In fact , and depending on how the Venezuelan leadership perceives its options , there could be some very real risk for the US in any attempt to interfere with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I mean by that ?
Did you know that Venezuela had four squadrons of for a total of 22 aircraft ?
Did you know that Venezuela also had an unknown number of ?
And did you know that Venezuela had a number of and long range and medium range SAMs ?
True , that is nowhere near the amount of weapons systems Venezuela would need to withstand a determined US attack , but it is more than enough to create some real headaches for US planners .
Do you remember what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy during the Malvinas war ?
Not only did the Argentinians sink two Type 42 guided missile destroyers ( the HMS Sheffield and the HMS Coventry ) which were providing long-range radar and medium-high altitude missile picket for the British carriers , they also destroyed 2 frigates , 1 landing ship , 1 landing craft , 1 container ship .
Frankly , considering how poorly defended the British carriers were , it is only luck which saved them from destruction ( that , and the lack of sufficient number of Super Étendard strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would add here that the British military , having been defeated on many occasions , has learned the painful lessons of their past defeats and does not suffer from the cocky-sure attitude of the US military .
As a result , they were very careful during the war against Argentina and that caution was one of the factors which gave a Britain well-deserved the victory ( I mean that in military terms in moral terms this was just another imperialist war with all the evil that entails ) .
Had the Argentinians had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles , the war could have taken a very different turn .
Returning to the topic of Venezuela , war is a much more complex phenomenon than just a struggle of military forces .
In fact , I strongly believe that political factors will remain the single most important determinant factor of most wars , even in the 21st century .
And chances are that the Venezuelans , being the militarily weaker side , will look to political factors to prevail .
Here is one possible scenario among many other possible ones : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian tankers constitutes an existential threat to Venezuela because if that action goes unchallenged , then the US will totally “ strangle ” Venezuela .
Of course , the Venezuelan military can not take on the immense US military , but what they could do is force a US intervention , say by attacking one/several USN vessel ( s ) .
Such an attack , if even only partially successful , would force the US to retaliate , bringing US forces closer not only to Venezuelan air defenses , but also closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US retaliation as an illegitimate counter-counter-attack following the fully legitimate Venezuelan counter-attack .
Then there is the problem of defining victory .
In the US political “ culture ” winning is usually defined as pressing a few buttons to fire off some standoff weapons , kill lots of civilians , and then declare that the “ indispensable nation ” has “ kicked the other guy ’ s ass ” .
The problem with that is the following one : if they other guy is very visibly weaker and has no chance for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best option for him is to declare that “ surviving is winning ” – meaning that if Maduro stays in power , then Venezuela as won .
How would the US cope with that kind of narrative ?
Keep in mind that Caracas is a city of over two million people which even in peacetime is rather dangerous ( courtesy of both regular crime and potential guerilla activities ) .
Yet , for Maduro to “ win ” all he has to show is that he controls Caracas .
Keep in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in creating some kind of “ zone of real democracy ” somewhere near the Colombian border , that will mean nothing to Maduro , especially considering the terrain between the border and the capital city ( please check out this or this ) .
As for the notion of a USN landing on the shores of Venezuela , all we need to do is to remember how the immense Hodgepodge of units which were tasked with invading Grenada ( including 2 Ranger Battalions , Navy Seals , most of an Airborne Division , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 soldiers ( ! )
against a tiny nation which never expected to be invaded ( for details , and a good laugh , see here for a ! )
was defeated by the waves of the Caribbean and the few Cuban military engineers who resisted with small-arms fire ( eventually , most of the 82AB was calling in to fix this mess ) .
In other words , if Maduro remains in power in Caracas then , in political terms , Venezuela wins even though it would lose in purely military terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as shown by the following famous quote by Ho Chi Minh : “ You can kill ten of my men for every one I kill of yours .
But even at those odds , you will lose and I will win .
” By the way , this is exactly the same problem the Empire faces with Iran : as long as the Islamic Republic remains an Islamic Republic it “ wins ” in any exchange of strikes with the US and/or Israel .
Still , it is pretty obvious that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smoking heap of ruins .
That is true ( just like what the US did to Korea , Vietnam , Iraq or Serbia and Israel what did to Lebanon in 2006 ) .
But that would hardly constitute a “ victory ” in any imaginable sense of the word .
Again , in theory , the US might be able to secure a number of landing locations and then send in an intervention force which could try to take key locations in Caracas .
But what would happen after that ?
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guerilla insurrection which would be impossible to crush ( when is the last time the US prevailed in a counter-insurgency war ? )
, but many Venezuelans would expect the US to pay for reconstruction ( and they would be right , according to the rules of international law , “ once you take it , you own it ” meaning that the US would become responsible for the socio-economic situation of the country ) .
Finally , there is always the option of an anti-leadership “ decapitating ” strike of some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms , the US has the know-how and resources to accomplish this .
I do not believe that this option would secure anything for the US , instead – it would further destabilize the situation and would trigger some kind of reaction by the Venezuelan military both outside and inside Venezuela .
If anything , the repeated failures of the various coup attempts against Chavez and Maduro prove that the the bulk of the military remains firmly behind the Chavistas ( and the failed coup only served to unmask the traitors and replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line is this : if Uncle Shmuel decides to seize/attack the Iranian tankers , there is not only a quasi certitude of a war between the US and Iran ( or , at the very least , an exchange of strikes ) , but there is also a non-trivial possibility that Maduro and his government might actually decide to provoke the US into a war they really can ’ t win .
Is Trump capable of starting a process which will result in not one , but two wars ?
You betcha he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ categories like “ my button is bigger than yours ” or “ ” obviously understands exactly *nothing* about warfare , while the climate of messianic narcissism prevailing among the US ruling classes gives them a sense of total impunity .
Let ’ s hope that cooler heads , possibly in the military , will prevail .
The last thing the world needs today is another needless war of choice , never mind two more .

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Written by The Saker; Originally appeared at The Unz Review
Amidst the worldwide pandemic induced scare most of us have probably lost track of all the other potential dangers which still threaten international peace and stability. Allow me to list just a few headlines which, I strongly believe, deserve much more attention than what they got so far. Here we go:
Military Times : “ 5 Iran tankers sailing to Venezuela amid US pressure tactics “
: “ “ Time : “ 5 Iranian Tankers Head to Venezuela Amid Heightened Tensions Between U.S. and Tehran “
: “ “ FoxNews : “Iran tankers sailing to Venezuela in effort to undermine US sanctions“
Notice that Military Times speaks of “US pressure tactics”, Time of “tensions” and FoxNews of “efforts to undermined US sanctions”?
I don’t think that this is a coincidence. Folks in the US military are much more in touch with reality than the flag-waving prostitutes which some people call “reporters” or “journalists”.
Furthermore, the US has embarked on a new policy to justify its acts of piracy on the high seas with something called Visit, Board, Search and Seizure ( VBSS ) all under the pretext of the war on drugs. To get a better understanding of the context of these developments I asked a specialist of Maritime issues of our community, NatSouth, who replied the following: (stress added)
If a ship does not comply with the request to be boarded, it is usual that the pursuing authorities must gain the permission of the ‘flag’ state prior to boarding, on the high seas and the pursuit has to have started in the coastal state’s jurisdictional waters. The caveat here is that in the Caribbean – Caribbean Regional Maritime Agreement (CRA) – (long name: Agreement Concerning Co-operation in Suppressing Illicit Maritime and Air Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the Caribbean Area). So, there is an agreement with participating coastal states on boardings and pursuits in EEZs and the like. You can find more on the legal aspects of boardings at sea here: https://scholarlycommons.law.hofstra.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2344&context=hlr and more info on so-called “consensual boardings” here: https://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/international-law/the-legal-implications-of-consensual-boarding-international-law-essay.php The anti-drug/ counterterrorism angle allows the U.S. Navy and the USCG to carry out interdictions on the high seas. Important point to note whether this approach will be taken to interdict the tankers, given that Venezuela is a declared narco-State. The absurdity is that Venezuela isn’t the primary transit point in the region, Colombia holds that honour. https://orinocotribune.com/narco-state-the-report-that-leaves-venezuela-on-the-sidelines-of-the-cocaine-route/ If I could add at this point, the origins are that Venezuela didn’t wish to play ball with Washington anymore, specifically with the DEA back in 2005, squaring the circle of sorts, (or should that be a vicious circle cunningly used by Washington, because who is going to argue with that narrative, aka the war on terror). March: SOUTHCOM’s Adm. Faller: “There will be an increase in US military presence in the hemisphere later this year. This will include an enhanced presence of ships, aircraft, & security forces to reassure our partners… & counter a range of threats to include illicit narco-terrorism.” At the same time, the State dept released this https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1260988270302777350so the US could effectively carry out boardings under the guise of counterterrorism as well. While the Iranian tankers were in the Mediterranean, Washington released a (delayed) “Global Maritime Sanctions Advisory”, to the maritime industry, setting out guidelines to shipowners and insurers to enable them to avoid the risks of sanctions penalties related to North Korea, Syria and Iran. This also concerns oil exports from Iran, (but doesn’t apply to Iranian flagged ships). This came after the State Dept gave warning notice to oil companies to stop operations, including Rosneft (Russia), Reliance (India) and Repsol (Spain).
Then NatSouth concluded the following:
Under international law, every merchant ship must be registered with a flag state, which has jurisdiction over the vessel. Hence, this time, the use of Iranian-flagged tankers, as a direct response from Washington’s latest version of restating “maximum pressure” campaign on enforcement of Iran and Venezuela sanctions, (back in Feb, literally the same language as in Aug 2019). There was talk back then of a naval embargo, which would a serious notch up in tensions. There was mention of the 4 U.S. warships in the Caribbean, the U.S. Navy tweeted about, but one the Preble went through the Panama Canal into the Pacific). https://twitter.com/USNavy/
Pretty clear, isn’t it?
What the US is doing is substituting itself for the United Nations and it is now openly claiming the right to board any vessel under whatever kind of pious pretext like, say, narco-trafficing, nuclear proliferation, sanctions against so-called “rogue states”, etc. Clearly, the AngloZionists expect everybody to roll over and take it.
How likely is that?
Let’s look at a few Iranian headlines, all from PressTV:
PressTV, May 16th : “ Iran’s fuel shipment to Venezuela guaranteed by its missile power “
: “ “ PressTV, May 17th : “ US aware Iran will respond ‘very strongly’ if Venezuela-bound ships attacked: Analyst “
: “ “ PressTV, May 18th : “Iran: US bears responsibility for any foolish act against tankers heading to Venezuela“
Three days in a row. I think that it is fair to assume that the Iranians are trying very hard to convince Uncle Shmuel not to mess with these tankers. Does anybody seriously believe that the Iranians are bluffing?
Before we look at some of the aspects of this potential crisis, let’s just mention a few things here.
First, the US is acting in total and official illegality. Just like the bombing of Syria, the threats to Iran, or the US murderous sanctions Uncle Shmuel imposes left and right – the blockade of Venezuela is a) totally illegal and b) an act of war under international law.
Second, if USN commanders think they can operate with impunity only because the Caribbean is far away from Iran, they are kidding themselves. Yes, Iranian forces cannot defend these tankers so far away from home, nor can they take any action against the USN in the Atlantic-Caribbean theater of naval operations. But what they can and will do is retaliate against any AngloZionist target in the Middle-East, including any oil/gas tanker.
Third, while Venezuela’s military is tiny and weak compared to the immensely expensive and bloated US military, being immensely expensive and bloated is no guarantee of success. In fact, and depending on how the Venezuelan leadership perceives its options, there could be some very real risk for the US in any attempt to interfere with the free passage of these ships.
What do I mean by that?
Did you know that Venezuela had four squadrons of Su-30MKV for a total of 22 aircraft? Did you know that Venezuela also had an unknown number of Kh-31A supersonic anti-shipping missiles ? And did you know that Venezuela had a number of S-300VM and 9K317M2 Buk-M2E long range and medium range SAMs?
True, that is nowhere near the amount of weapons systems Venezuela would need to withstand a determined US attack, but it is more than enough to create some real headaches for US planners. Do you remember what the Argentinian Air Force did to the British Navy during the Malvinas war? Not only did the Argentinians sink two Type 42 guided missile destroyers (the HMS Sheffield and the HMS Coventry) which were providing long-range radar and medium-high altitude missile picket for the British carriers, they also destroyed 2 frigates, 1 landing ship, 1 landing craft, 1 container ship. Frankly, considering how poorly defended the British carriers were, it is only luck which saved them from destruction (that, and the lack of sufficient number of Super Étendard strike aircraft and Exocet missiles). I would add here that the British military, having been defeated on many occasions, has learned the painful lessons of their past defeats and does not suffer from the cocky-sure attitude of the US military. As a result, they were very careful during the war against Argentina and that caution was one of the factors which gave a Britain well-deserved the victory (I mean that in military terms only; in moral terms this was just another imperialist war with all the evil that entails). Had the Argentinians had a modern air force and enough anti-shipping missiles, the war could have taken a very different turn.
Returning to the topic of Venezuela, war is a much more complex phenomenon than just a struggle of military forces. In fact, I strongly believe that political factors will remain the single most important determinant factor of most wars, even in the 21st century. And chances are that the Venezuelans, being the militarily weaker side, will look to political factors to prevail. Here is one possible scenario among many other possible ones:
Caracas decides that the US seizing/attacking the Iranian tankers constitutes an existential threat to Venezuela because if that action goes unchallenged, then the US will totally “strangle” Venezuela. Of course, the Venezuelan military cannot take on the immense US military, but what they could do is force a US intervention, say by attacking one/several USN vessel(s). Such an attack, if even only partially successful, would force the US to retaliate, bringing US forces closer not only to Venezuelan air defenses, but also closer to the Venezuelan people which will see any US retaliation as an illegitimate counter-counter-attack following the fully legitimate Venezuelan counter-attack.
Then there is the problem of defining victory. In the US political “culture” winning is usually defined as pressing a few buttons to fire off some standoff weapons, kill lots of civilians, and then declare that the “indispensable nation” has “kicked the other guy’s ass”. The problem with that is the following one: if they other guy is very visibly weaker and has no chance for a military victory of his own, then the best option for him is to declare that “surviving is winning” – meaning that if Maduro stays in power, then Venezuela as won. How would the US cope with that kind of narrative? Keep in mind that Caracas is a city of over two million people which even in peacetime is rather dangerous (courtesy of both regular crime and potential guerilla activities). Yet, for Maduro to “win” all he has to show is that he controls Caracas. Keep in mind that even if the US forces succeed in creating some kind of “zone of real democracy” somewhere near the Colombian border, that will mean nothing to Maduro, especially considering the terrain between the border and the capital city (please check out this very high resolution map of Venezuela or this medium resolution one ). As for the notion of a USN landing on the shores of Venezuela, all we need to do is to remember how the immense Hodgepodge of units which were tasked with invading Grenada (including 2 Ranger Battalions, Navy Seals, most of an Airborne Division, etc. for a total of over 7,000 soldiers(!) against a tiny nation which never expected to be invaded (for details, and a good laugh, see here for a full list of participating US forces !) was defeated by the waves of the Caribbean and the few Cuban military engineers who resisted with small-arms fire (eventually, most of the 82AB was calling in to fix this mess).
In other words, if Maduro remains in power in Caracas then, in political terms, Venezuela wins even though it would lose in purely military terms.
This phenomenon is hardly something new, as shown by the following famous quote by Ho Chi Minh: “You can kill ten of my men for every one I kill of yours. But even at those odds, you will lose and I will win.”
By the way, this is exactly the same problem the Empire faces with Iran: as long as the Islamic Republic remains an Islamic Republic it “wins” in any exchange of strikes with the US and/or Israel.
Still, it is pretty obvious that the US can turn much of Venezuela into a smoking heap of ruins. That is true (just like what the US did to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq or Serbia and Israel what did to Lebanon in 2006). But that would hardly constitute a “victory” in any imaginable sense of the word. Again, in theory, the US might be able to secure a number of landing locations and then send in an intervention force which could try to take key locations in Caracas. But what would happen after that? Not only would the hardcore Chavistas trigger a guerilla insurrection which would be impossible to crush (when is the last time the US prevailed in a counter-insurgency war?), but many Venezuelans would expect the US to pay for reconstruction (and they would be right, according to the rules of international law, “once you take it, you own it” meaning that the US would become responsible for the socio-economic situation of the country). Finally, there is always the option of an anti-leadership “decapitating” strike of some kind. I believe that in purely military terms, the US has the know-how and resources to accomplish this. I do not believe that this option would secure anything for the US, instead – it would further destabilize the situation and would trigger some kind of reaction by the Venezuelan military both outside and inside Venezuela. If anything, the repeated failures of the various coup attempts against Chavez and Maduro prove that the the bulk of the military remains firmly behind the Chavistas (and the failed coup only served to unmask the traitors and replace them anyway!).
The bottom line is this: if Uncle Shmuel decides to seize/attack the Iranian tankers, there is not only a quasi certitude of a war between the US and Iran (or, at the very least, an exchange of strikes), but there is also a non-trivial possibility that Maduro and his government might actually decide to provoke the US into a war they really can’t win.
Is Trump capable of starting a process which will result in not one, but two wars?
You betcha he is! A guy who thinks in categories like “ my button is bigger than yours ” or “ super-dooper weapons ” obviously understands exactly *nothing* about warfare, while the climate of messianic narcissism prevailing among the US ruling classes gives them a sense of total impunity.
Let’s hope that cooler heads, possibly in the military, will prevail. The last thing the world needs today is another needless war of choice, never mind two more.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Double-Tap Attack Kills, Injures 16 People In Southeast Deir Ezzor

On May 21 , a double-tap attack targeted a local market in the town of al-Busayrah in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor .
An improvised explosive device ( IED ) exploded in the town ’ s market in the late hours of the day .
When people gathered in the scene to assess the damage a booby-trapped motorcycle , which was parked nearby , exploded .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , a child was killed and 15 people were injured .
Many of the wounded are reportedly women and children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
Nevertheless , ISIS remains the main suspect .
The terrorist group ’ s cells are known to be highly-active in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor , that ’ s controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
The SDF and the U.S.-led coalition carried out a series of joint security operations in different parts of Deir Ezzor in the last few weeks .
Security situation improved .
However , the area is still far from being safe .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Video : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Homs

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On May 21, a double-tap attack targeted a local market in the town of al-Busayrah in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the town’s market in the late hours of the day. When people gathered in the scene to assess the damage a booby-trapped motorcycle, which was parked nearby, exploded.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a child was killed and 15 people were injured. Many of the wounded are reportedly women and children.
There was no immediate claim for the attack. Nevertheless, ISIS remains the main suspect. The terrorist group’s cells are known to be highly-active in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, that’s controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF and the U.S.-led coalition carried out a series of joint security operations in different parts of Deir Ezzor in the last few weeks. Security situation improved. However, the area is still far from being safe.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-22--China Proposes New National Security Law For Hong Kong As Only Result Of More Than A Year Of Protest

China Proposes New National Security Law For Hong Kong As Only Result Of More Than A Year Of Protests

China proposed a national security law for Hong Kong , which is the result of the months-long riots which were very often quite violent and continued destroying public property and disrupting public life .
Speaking at the opening of the annual session of the National People ’ s Congress ( NPC ) , Wang Chen , vice-chairman of the NPC ’ s Standing Committee , confirmed that the law would proscribe secessionist and subversive activity as well as foreign interference and terrorism in the city .
Wang said a fundamental consideration behind the resolution was that Beijing would not allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ base of infiltration ” .
He also stressed that by making the new law , Beijing had been trying to protect the legal rights of the city ’ s residents : It is highly necessary for China ’ s national legislature to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security , Zhang Yesui , spokesperson for the third session of the 13th NPC , said .
Explaining the consideration for the draft decision , Zhang said safeguarding national security serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong compatriots .
US President Donald Trump , who has ramped up criticism of China as he seeks re-election in November , said Washington would react “ very strongly ” against any attempt by Beijing to tighten its control over Hong Kong .
The South China Morning Post newspaper , citing unnamed sources , said the laws would ban secession , foreign interference , “ terrorism ” and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government and any external interference in Hong Kong .
A high degree of autonomy and respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory ’ s special status , US Department of State spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said .
US senators Chris Van Hollen ( Democrat ) and Pat Toomey ( Republican ) introduced legislation to punish Chinese entities involved in enforcing the proposed new security law in Hong Kong and penalize banks that do business with those entities .
They acted in response to what they said was the Chinese Communist Party ’ s “ brazen interference ” in Hong Kong ’ s autonomy .
On May 22nd , Taiwan ’ s government urged China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger turmoil ” with the proposed new national security legislation .
Taiwan ’ s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement that China ’ s Communist Party had wrongly blamed external influences and Hong Kong independence “ separatists ” for the instability in the territory .
Beijing maintains that US and any other state shouldn ’ t meddle in its internal affairs , as Hong Kong is one of them .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Six Months of Protests in Hong Kong Marked With Massive Rally

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China proposed a national security law for Hong Kong, which is the result of the months-long riots which were very often quite violent and continued destroying public property and disrupting public life.
Speaking at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Wang Chen, vice-chairman of the NPC’s Standing Committee, confirmed that the law would proscribe secessionist and subversive activity as well as foreign interference and terrorism in the city.
Wang said a fundamental consideration behind the resolution was that Beijing would not allow Hong Kong to be turned into a “base of infiltration”.
“Using Hong Kong to infiltrate and sabotage the mainland touches on our bottom line, it is absolutely not tolerable,” he said.
He also stressed that by making the new law, Beijing had been trying to protect the legal rights of the city’s residents:
“To prevent, frustrate and punish the small minority of criminal acts that harm national security is to offer better protection to the safety of life and property of the vast majority of Hong Kong people, as well as their basic rights and freedoms.”
It is highly necessary for China’s national legislature to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the third session of the 13th NPC, said.
Explaining the consideration for the draft decision, Zhang said safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese including Hong Kong compatriots.
“The HKSAR is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China, and the NPC is the highest organ of state power,” Zhang said.
Hong Kong belongs to China, not the US. If senior officials in Washington are confused about this, President Trump's granddaughter can tell them this common sense. pic.twitter.com/b4ScMx77yV — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 22, 2020
US President Donald Trump, who has ramped up criticism of China as he seeks re-election in November, said Washington would react “very strongly” against any attempt by Beijing to tighten its control over Hong Kong.
The South China Morning Post newspaper, citing unnamed sources, said the laws would ban secession, foreign interference, “terrorism” and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government and any external interference in Hong Kong.
A high degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory’s special status, US Department of State spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.
“Any effort to impose national security legislation that does not reflect the will of the people of Hong Kong would be highly destabilizing, and would be met with strong condemnation from the United States and the international community,” Ortagus said in emailed comments.
US senators Chris Van Hollen (Democrat) and Pat Toomey (Republican) introduced legislation to punish Chinese entities involved in enforcing the proposed new security law in Hong Kong and penalize banks that do business with those entities. They acted in response to what they said was the Chinese Communist Party’s “brazen interference” in Hong Kong’s autonomy.
On May 22nd, Taiwan’s government urged China not to lead Hong Kong into “bigger turmoil” with the proposed new national security legislation.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement that China’s Communist Party had wrongly blamed external influences and Hong Kong independence “separatists” for the instability in the territory.
Beijing maintains that US and any other state shouldn’t meddle in its internal affairs, as Hong Kong is one of them.
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southfront--2020-05-22--U.S. Has 7 Out Of Its 11 Aircraft Carriers Simultaneously Underway

As of May 21st , the US Navy has 7 out of its 11 aircraft carriers underway for training and operations .
On the day , the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt was the most recent one to depart , and it did so from Guam .
It arrived there on March 27th , amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
The warship left Naval Base Guam and entered the Philippine Sea to conduct carrier qualification flights for the embarked Carrier Air Wing ( CVW ) 11 .
The other six Navy aircraft carriers that are underway are five Nimitz-class carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eisenhower , USS Abraham Lincoln , USS Harry S. Truman and USS Ronald Reagan – and the first Gerald R. Ford-class carrier , USS Gerald R. Ford .
According to the U.S. Navy , the current locations of other six currently underway U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the following : • USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is in the Arabian Sea ; • USS Nimitz and USS Abraham Lincoln are in the East Pacific ; • USS Ronald Reagan is in the West Pacific ; • USS Harry S. Truman and USS Gerald R. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap , Bremerton in Washington state on April 27th for training and deployment after completing her Carrier Incremental Availability at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility .
Prior to department , all crew were tested for COVID-19 , after remaining in 27-day quarantine .
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower ’ s Carrier Strike Group ( CSG ) conducted a bilateral interoperability exercise with the French Navy in the area in April .
USS Abraham Lincoln departed Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego , California on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pacific .
According to the Navy , Abraham Lincoln will be conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations .
USS Harry S. Truman is in the Atlantic Ocean off the U.S. coast .
The warship was ordered to remain at sea in the Western Atlantic , following its successful deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 6th Fleet areas of operation .
The purpose is to protect the crew from exposing themselves to the COVID-19 pandemic .
USS Ronald Reagan departed Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan for sea trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability ( SRA ) by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility .
Finally , the USS Gerald R. Ford departed Norfolk to commence its second round of carrier qualifications for Fleet Replacement Squadron pilots .
The first round was carried out in late April 2020 , the Gerald R. Ford is the first of its class aircraft carrier and is the first new aircraft carrier for the US Navy designed in more than 40 years .
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As of May 21st, the US Navy has 7 out of its 11 aircraft carriers underway for training and operations.
On the day, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt was the most recent one to depart, and it did so from Guam.
It arrived there on March 27th, amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The warship left Naval Base Guam and entered the Philippine Sea to conduct carrier qualification flights for the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11.
The other six Navy aircraft carriers that are underway are five Nimitz-class carriers – USS Nimitz, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Harry S. Truman and USS Ronald Reagan – and the first Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford.
According to the U.S. Navy, the current locations of other six currently underway U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the following:
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is in the Arabian Sea; USS Nimitz and USS Abraham Lincoln are in the East Pacific; USS Ronald Reagan is in the West Pacific; USS Harry S. Truman and USS Gerald R. Ford are in the Atlantic.
USS Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton in Washington state on April 27th for training and deployment after completing her Carrier Incremental Availability at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
Prior to department, all crew were tested for COVID-19, after remaining in 27-day quarantine.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted a bilateral interoperability exercise with the French Navy in the area in April.
USS Abraham Lincoln departed Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California on May 7th for operations in the eastern Pacific. According to the Navy, Abraham Lincoln will be conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.
The aircraft carrier #USSAbrahamLincoln transits San Diego Bay after departing Naval Air Station North Island today for #USNavy operations in the eastern Pacific. #CVN72 #3rdFleet @FlyNavy pic.twitter.com/ttCk5M1rUO — U.S. Pacific Fleet (@USPacificFleet) May 8, 2020
USS Harry S. Truman is in the Atlantic Ocean off the U.S. coast. The warship was ordered to remain at sea in the Western Atlantic, following its successful deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The purpose is to protect the crew from exposing themselves to the COVID-19 pandemic.
USS Ronald Reagan departed Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan for sea trials after the completion of its selected restricted availability (SRA) by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
Finally, the USS Gerald R. Ford departed Norfolk to commence its second round of carrier qualifications for Fleet Replacement Squadron pilots.
The first round was carried out in late April 2020, the Gerald R. Ford is the first of its class aircraft carrier and is the first new aircraft carrier for the US Navy designed in more than 40 years.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Hamas Chief Vows Major “Armed Resistance” If Trump’s Deal Of The Century Implemented

Despite making barely a blip amid the flood international coronavirus crisis headlines , a number of huge developments have rocked the Israeli-Palestine issue , bringing the world nearer an explosion of violence not seen since the second Intifada which ended in 2005 .
Earlier this week the Palestinian Authority ’ s President Mahmoud Abbas announced that all prior agreements with the United States and Israel are now null and void , including any and all prior ‘ security agreements ’ with the state of Israel , such as the historic Oslo Accords , and most alarmingly all local security arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday Hamas issued its own dramatic warning , vowing to “ confront ” the “ Zionist-American ” plot to annex major parts of the occupied West Bank , especially the Jordan Valley , with “ armed military resistance ” .
This after Prime Minister Netanyahu in a Sunday speech promised to move on annexing areas of Jewish settlements in the West Bank that were “ agreed ” to as part of Trump ’ s much touted ‘ Deal of the Century ’ first unveiled to the public earlier this year .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning , saying ultimately the Israeli side had to sacrifice nothing .
Specifically the new Hamas statements the Islamic militant organization ’ s political chief Ismail Haniya on the occasion of ‘ International Day of Jerusalem ’ ( Quds Day ) , falling on the last day of Ramadan .
The Hamas leader began by thanking Iran : “ We thank Iran for its continuous support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
” “ The Palestinian people and the people of Jerusalem defend their chests and their faith in the Al-Aqsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we warn the Zionists against committing follies against them , ” Haniyeh said according to .
“ On the International Day of Jerusalem , the Holy City lives in the most dangerous stages , and we are following the American-Zionist talk about the implementation of the deal of the century , which was based on the liquidation of the Palestinian issue , the core of which is Jerusalem , as are the refugees and the land , ” he continued .
The Hamas chief added : “ Jerusalem has lived in a siege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque is at the head of the siege by obliterating its identity , incursions and denying Jerusalemites access to it.
” “ We are facing a great and comprehensive danger and we need a strategy to confront the danger facing our cause and sanctify it , and in its essence the comprehensive resistance project , on top of which is the armed military resistance , ” he said .
The speech was focused also especially on resisting the US declaration ( as part of the Trump plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Israeli capital – something other international countries have been urged by the State Department to do as well .
For months , Hamas has been whipping up popular protests against the American-Israeli peace plan : The fresh Hamas threats followed Abbas ’ final ‘ cutting off ’ of all agreements with Israel , which itself came after Netanyahu ’ s swearing in of the new Israeli government Sunday wherein he declared “ now is the time to annex the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
” The Trump plan has been previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come true ” and has long been seen as merely paying lip service to the Palestinians , ultimately without ceding anything of value .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Despite making barely a blip amid the flood international coronavirus crisis headlines, a number of huge developments have rocked the Israeli-Palestine issue, bringing the world nearer an explosion of violence not seen since the second Intifada which ended in 2005.
Earlier this week the Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas announced that all prior agreements with the United States and Israel are now null and void, including any and all prior ‘security agreements’ with the state of Israel, such as the historic Oslo Accords, and most alarmingly all local security arrangements and any ground-level cooperation.
Days following on Thursday Hamas issued its own dramatic warning, vowing to “confront” the “Zionist-American” plot to annex major parts of the occupied West Bank, especially the Jordan Valley, with “armed military resistance”.
This after Prime Minister Netanyahu in a Sunday speech promised to move on annexing areas of Jewish settlements in the West Bank that were “agreed” to as part of Trump’s much touted ‘Deal of the Century’ first unveiled to the public earlier this year. The PA and Hamas have vehemently rejected from the beginning, saying ultimately the Israeli side had to sacrifice nothing.
Specifically the new Hamas statements the Islamic militant organization’s political chief Ismail Haniya on the occasion of ‘International Day of Jerusalem’ (Quds Day), falling on the last day of Ramadan.
The Hamas leader began by thanking Iran: “We thank Iran for its continuous support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.”
“The Palestinian people and the people of Jerusalem defend their chests and their faith in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Holy City, and we warn the Zionists against committing follies against them,” Haniyeh said according to Sama News Agency.
“On the International Day of Jerusalem, the Holy City lives in the most dangerous stages, and we are following the American-Zionist talk about the implementation of the deal of the century, which was based on the liquidation of the Palestinian issue, the core of which is Jerusalem, as are the refugees and the land,” he continued.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, with Ismail Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip. File image: EPA
The Hamas chief added: “Jerusalem has lived in a siege since it was occupied in 1948 until now, and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque is at the head of the siege by obliterating its identity, incursions and denying Jerusalemites access to it.”
“We are facing a great and comprehensive danger and we need a strategy to confront the danger facing our cause and sanctify it, and in its essence the comprehensive resistance project, on top of which is the armed military resistance,” he said.
The speech was focused also especially on resisting the US declaration (as part of the Trump plan) of formal recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital – something other international countries have been urged by the State Department to do as well.
For months, Hamas has been whipping up popular protests against the American-Israeli peace plan:
Hamas rally in Khan Yunis against the Deal of the Century today. #Gaza pic.twitter.com/EZgG8or6wI — Joe Truzman (@Jtruzmah) February 3, 2020
The fresh Hamas threats followed Abbas’ final ‘cutting off’ of all agreements with Israel, which itself came after Netanyahu’s swearing in of the new Israeli government Sunday wherein he declared “now is the time to annex the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.”
The Trump plan has been previously described as “Bibi’s dream come true” and has long been seen as merely paying lip service to the Palestinians, ultimately without ceding anything of value.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Haftar’s Forces On The Back Foot As GNA Moves Towards Tarhuna

After capturing the al-Watiya airbase , the Government of National Accord ’ s ( GNA ) forces are moving towards Tarhuna to attempt and capture the key forward stronghold of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces .
On May 21st , the GNA took complete control of the town of al-Asaba , which provided a corridor for the GNA between Tarhuna and al-Watiya .
Since then , the GNA has been carrying out airstrikes and drone strikes on Tarhuna .
Two Turkish UAVs were downed above Tarhuna by the LNA .
The battle of Tarhuna is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large quantities of heavy weapons from Qasr bin Ghashir , which is just south of Tripoli towards Tarhuna in order to repel the incoming siege .
The GNA also took control of the city of Muzdah , which is further south , but if it now continues eastward and captures more towns it would entirely encircle the LNA forces in Tarhuna .
Despite the vows of the “ largest aerial campaign ” by the LNA , nothing of the sort has happened , there were a few airstrikes on GNA positions in Tripoli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but nothing significant .
In that manner , a MiG-29 was detected on the ground far south from Tarhuna and Tripoli , but whether it is only 1 remains unknown .
It appears that the GNA is also pushing eastward towards Sirte , as there ’ s been numerous reports of air and drone strikes .
There are heavy clashes , but currently it appears that the LNA is on the back foot and the GNA , with its Turkish support is progressing largely unimpeded .
It is expected that the siege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sending more supplies , as a Lockheed C-130B was detecting flying from Istanbul towards Misrata .
The success of the GNA and it ’ s Turkish supporters are evidenced by the fact that tribal councils are providing written surrender notices without fighting and resisting the armies .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkish Drones Destroyed At Least 9 Pantsir Systems Of Libyan Army In Last Few Days

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After capturing the al-Watiya airbase, the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) forces are moving towards Tarhuna to attempt and capture the key forward stronghold of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
On May 21st, the GNA took complete control of the town of al-Asaba, which provided a corridor for the GNA between Tarhuna and al-Watiya.
عاجل ? كما نشرت بوابة الشقيقة بالكامل تحت سيطرة بركان الغضب مع التحام ثوار المشاشية .. pic.twitter.com/P7iYYEk02W — AbdulGhani AlHamrouni ?? (@AbdulGhaniLibya) May 21, 2020
Since then, the GNA has been carrying out airstrikes and drone strikes on Tarhuna.
Two Turkish UAVs were downed above Tarhuna by the LNA.
#عاجل
"للمرة الثانية خلال ساعتين إسقاط طائرة تركية مسيرة بالقرب من ترهونة من قبل دفاعات الجو التابعة للقوات المسلحة العربية الليبية" — بنت المختار (@dodycat42) May 21, 2020
The battle of Tarhuna is expected to be significant, since the LNA is withdrawing large quantities of heavy weapons from Qasr bin Ghashir, which is just south of Tripoli towards Tarhuna in order to repel the incoming siege.
سحب كميات من السلاح الثقيل من قصر بن غشير باتجاه ترهونة، بجانب انسحاب عدة مجموعات من منطقة القصر والوجهة ترهونة. — le Fils de la liberté (@mahmoud_zwi) May 21, 2020
The GNA also took control of the city of Muzdah, which is further south, but if it now continues eastward and captures more towns it would entirely encircle the LNA forces in Tarhuna.
GNA Forces have captured Wamis/Al-Mashashiyah,GNA Forces are advancing on the desert road that leads to Al-Rujban and Al-Zintan from the South,looks GNA will reach Al-Zintan Airport from the South,from the Desert — ثائر سوري (@VivaRevolt) May 21, 2020
Despite the vows of the “largest aerial campaign” by the LNA, nothing of the sort has happened, there were a few airstrikes on GNA positions in Tripoli, as well as east of Misrata, but nothing significant.
In that manner, a MiG-29 was detected on the ground far south from Tarhuna and Tripoli, but whether it is only 1 remains unknown.
MiG-29 on the ground at al-Jufrah, 19 May 20. Grid: 29.1916, 16.0112 https://t.co/62By0rSZMC pic.twitter.com/k1Fw7HePOA — Brian Castner (@Brian_Castner) May 21, 2020
It appears that the GNA is also pushing eastward towards Sirte, as there’s been numerous reports of air and drone strikes.
#عملية_بركان_الغضب: المتحدث الرسمي باسم الجيش الليبي عقيد طيار محمد قنونو : سلاح الجو نفذ ضربات منطقة مراح بين #الوشكة و #سرت استهدف خلالها آليات مسلحة ونجح في تحييد 12 عنصراً بين قتيل وجريح — Almanara Libya (@AlmanaraMedia) May 21, 2020
There are heavy clashes, but currently it appears that the LNA is on the back foot and the GNA, with its Turkish support is progressing largely unimpeded. It is expected that the siege of Tarhuna should start shortly.
Turkey is sending more supplies, as a Lockheed C-130B was detecting flying from Istanbul towards Misrata.
Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130B (?) (callsign TUAF222) from Istanbul in flight south of Crete westbound pic.twitter.com/JVHfsStySe — ItaMilRadar (@ItaMilRadar) May 21, 2020
The success of the GNA and it’s Turkish supporters are evidenced by the fact that tribal councils are providing written surrender notices without fighting and resisting the armies.
#Libya ??: the local council of al-Urban (east of #Gharyan) has agreed to surrender to the #GNA without a fight as pro-GNA fighter continue to advance on #LNA forces across the region pic.twitter.com/6v8x9b0qgH — Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) May 21, 2020
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southfront--2020-05-22--The US Is Leaving The Open Skies Treaty

The US Is Leaving The Open Skies Treaty

US President Donald Trump has announced that the US is leaving the Open Skies treaty , which allows mutual unarmed surveillance flights over member countries as a confidence building measure .
He blamed Russia for the decision : The Open Skies treaty , first officially proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 ( and reportedly rejected by the Soviet Union ) , was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002 .
The treaty is used in part to help verify arms control agreements , and would affect the US military ’ s ability to conduct aerial surveillance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers all signatories , regardless of size , a role in gathering information about military forces and is regarded as a wide-ranging international effort to promote military transparency through ‘ mutual aerial observation ’ .
Over 1,500 Open Skies flights have been conducted since the deal entered into force in 2002 , according to media reports .
The US Air Force used two Boeing OC-135B aircraft for the conduct of its reconnaissance flights under the treaty , each assigned to Offutt Air Force Base , Nebraska .
The administration also pulled the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forces Treaty with Russia last year , which had limited the development and deployment of short-range ground-based missiles .
Under New START , the United States and Russia agreed to limit deployed nuclear warheads to 1,550 and continue with on-site inspection protocols , test launch notifications , and data exchanges , vital mechanisms for ensuring a degree of predictability especially during periods of tension .
With the expiration of New START in February 2021 and seemingly no clear path to an extension , that gives added importance for the Open Skies treaty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in six months , based on the treaty ’ s procedure for withdrawal , which also requires a meeting of all signatories within 60 days to review the matter .
The prospect of such a withdrawal last year was roundly condemned by senior members of several congressional committees : “ In a letter to White House national security advisor Robert O ’ Brien , Rep. Eliot Engel , D-N.Y. , chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said he was “ deeply concerned ” by reports that President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similarly , a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Bob Menendez , D-N.J. , also signed by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Smith , D-Wash. , House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel , D-N.Y. , and Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed , D-R.I. , called withdrawal from the treaty “ another gift ” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
” Mendendez said in his letter , “ Not only is there no case for withdrawal on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been no consultation with the Congress or with our allies about this consequential decision .
Any action by this administration to withdraw from critical international treaties without the approval of the Senate is deeply concerning.
” The suggestions late last year that the US was considering withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty also prompted a negative response from many of the US ’ key allies : “ European support for Open Skies so far has included a joint verbal demarche , or diplomatic protest , to the National Security Council from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint demarche from Germany , the U.K. and France ; Germany ’ s ambassador to the U.S. reportedly also made a visit to the White House to argue on the treaty ’ s behalf .
Sweden , a particularly active participant in the fight to save Open Skies , sent a letter from its defense minister , Peter Hultgvist , to the U.S. Defense Secretary… “ A well-functioning Open Skies Treaty contributes to the ability to hold states , including the Russian Federation , accountable for breaches against the norms and principles that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty is vital as one of very few remaining confidence and security building measures , ” Hultqvist wrote in the Oct. 24 letter , obtained by Defense News .
“ One aspect of maintaining the Treaty is to work with other participants to curtail any violations .
In our view , it important that violations of others not be taken as grounds for withdrawing from the Treaty altogether , ” Hultqvist wrote.
” However , it is not yet clear how they will respond this time round .
TASS reports that : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold a North Atlantic Council meeting on May 22 to address Washington ’ s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , a staffer of the NATO press service told TASS Thursday .
The alliance also expressed concern about the Russia ’ s alleged “ selective implementation of the Open Skies Treaty.
” .
“ All Allies agree that arms control , disarmament , and non-proliferation make essential contributions to achieving the Alliance ’ s security .
At the 2018 Summit , NATO Heads of State and Government reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of the Open Skies Treaty , and that this undermines our security .
In particular , we are concerned that Russia has restricted flights over certain areas .
Allies continue to consult closely on the future of the treaty and the North Atlantic Council will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue , ” the press service staffer noted.
” The US announcement raises the immediate question : will the remaining signatories still permit overflights by other States that remain committed to the treaty ( and exclude flights by the US ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from the treaty ?
It could be argued that Russia and other non-NATO States would be most disadvantaged by such an arrangement ( permitting overflights by the remaining member-States ) , as the US would still have access to information gathered by its allies ’ overflights of Russia one way or another , while Russia and Kazakhstan would lose their ability to gather corresponding information from US airspace completely .
The 35 state parties to the Open Skies treaty are : Belarus , Belgium , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark ( including Greenland ) , Estonia , Finland , France , Georgia , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Kazakhstan , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , the Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , the Russian Federation , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Turkey , Ukraine , the United Kingdom , and the United States .
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US President Donald Trump has announced that the US is leaving the Open Skies treaty, which allows mutual unarmed surveillance flights over member countries as a confidence building measure. He blamed Russia for the decision:
“I think we have a very good relationship with Russia, but Russia didn’t adhere to the treaty,” Trump said on Thursday, adding: “Until they adhere we will pull out.”
The Open Skies treaty, first officially proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 (and reportedly rejected by the Soviet Union), was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002. The treaty is used in part to help verify arms control agreements, and would affect the US military’s ability to conduct aerial surveillance of Russia and other member countries. It offers all signatories, regardless of size, a role in gathering information about military forces and is regarded as a wide-ranging international effort to promote military transparency through ‘mutual aerial observation’.
Over 1,500 Open Skies flights have been conducted since the deal entered into force in 2002, according to media reports. The US Air Force used two Boeing OC-135B aircraft for the conduct of its reconnaissance flights under the treaty, each assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
The administration also pulled the United States out of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia last year, which had limited the development and deployment of short-range ground-based missiles. Under New START, the United States and Russia agreed to limit deployed nuclear warheads to 1,550 and continue with on-site inspection protocols, test launch notifications, and data exchanges, vital mechanisms for ensuring a degree of predictability especially during periods of tension. With the expiration of New START in February 2021 and seemingly no clear path to an extension, that gives added importance for the Open Skies treaty.
Senior officials said the withdrawal will formally take place in six months, based on the treaty’s procedure for withdrawal, which also requires a meeting of all signatories within 60 days to review the matter. The prospect of such a withdrawal last year was roundly condemned by senior members of several congressional committees:
“In a letter to White House national security advisor Robert O’Brien, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was “deeply concerned” by reports that President Donald Trump is considering withdrawal from the treaty. Similarly, a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Bob Menendez, D-N.J., also signed by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., and Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed, D-R.I., called withdrawal from the treaty “another gift” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.” Mendendez said in his letter, “Not only is there no case for withdrawal on the grounds of national security, there has been no consultation with the Congress or with our allies about this consequential decision. Any action by this administration to withdraw from critical international treaties without the approval of the Senate is deeply concerning.”
The suggestions late last year that the US was considering withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty also prompted a negative response from many of the US’ key allies:
“European support for Open Skies so far has included a joint verbal demarche, or diplomatic protest, to the National Security Council from a number of Nordic countries, and another joint demarche from Germany, the U.K. and France; Germany’s ambassador to the U.S. reportedly also made a visit to the White House to argue on the treaty’s behalf. Sweden, a particularly active participant in the fight to save Open Skies, sent a letter from its defense minister, Peter Hultgvist, to the U.S. Defense Secretary… “A well-functioning Open Skies Treaty contributes to the ability to hold states, including the Russian Federation, accountable for breaches against the norms and principles that underpin the European security architecture. The Treaty is vital as one of very few remaining confidence and security building measures,” Hultqvist wrote in the Oct. 24 letter, obtained by Defense News. “One aspect of maintaining the Treaty is to work with other participants to curtail any violations. In our view, it important that violations of others not be taken as grounds for withdrawing from the Treaty altogether,” Hultqvist wrote.”
However, it is not yet clear how they will respond this time round. TASS reports that:
“The NATO headquarters has confirmed the plan to hold a North Atlantic Council meeting on May 22 to address Washington’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, a staffer of the NATO press service told TASS Thursday. The alliance also expressed concern about the Russia’s alleged “selective implementation of the Open Skies Treaty.”. “All Allies agree that arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation make essential contributions to achieving the Alliance’s security. At the 2018 Summit, NATO Heads of State and Government reiterated their concern over Russia’s selective implementation of the Open Skies Treaty, and that this undermines our security. In particular, we are concerned that Russia has restricted flights over certain areas. Allies continue to consult closely on the future of the treaty and the North Atlantic Council will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue,” the press service staffer noted.”
The US announcement raises the immediate question: will the remaining signatories still permit overflights by other States that remain committed to the treaty (and exclude flights by the US), or will they also suspend participation or withdraw from the treaty? It could be argued that Russia and other non-NATO States would be most disadvantaged by such an arrangement (permitting overflights by the remaining member-States), as the US would still have access to information gathered by its allies’ overflights of Russia one way or another, while Russia and Kazakhstan would lose their ability to gather corresponding information from US airspace completely.
The 35 state parties to the Open Skies treaty are: Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark (including Greenland), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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southfront--2020-05-22--U.S. Approves Purchase Request For 18 MK-48 Torpedos By Taiwan

On May 20th , the US Department of State approved the sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology ( AT ) Heavy Weight Torpedoes ( HWT ) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $ 180 million to Taiwan , the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced .
The request for the purchase was made by The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office ( TECRO ) in the US .
In addition to the 18 torpedoes , what ’ s included are spare parts , support and test equipment , shipping and shipping containers , operator manuals , technical documentation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineering , technical and logistics support services ; and other related elements of logistics support .
This would serve well the US national and security interests in the region , as well as assist Taiwan in bulking up its defense “ in current and future defensive efforts.
” The proposed sale will improve the recipient ’ s capability in current and future defensive efforts .
The recipient will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense .
The recipient will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 Mod 6 AT HWT is an export analogue of the torpedoes Mk 48 Mod 6 ADCAP and Mk 48 Mod 6 ASOT of the US Navy .
Deliveries of Mk 48 Mod 6 AT torpedoes for export through the FMS line have been carried out since 2011 , the known recipients were the fleets of Brazil and Turkey .
In this case , the Mk 48 Mod 6 AT HWT should be delivered for two single relatively modern diesel-electric submarines of the Taiwanese fleet of the Hai Lung type , both built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both in service from 1987-1988 .
Currently , Hai Lung type submarines continue to use West German export 533-mm AEG SUT 264 Mod 2 electric torpedoes , ordered simultaneously with these boats and assembled for political reasons in Indonesia by the Indonesian Aircraft State Association IPTN as their main weapon .
– Taiwan got the last of 200 torpedoes from there in 1998 .
Currently , German SUT torpedoes , developed in the 1960s , are considered completely obsolete in the Taiwanese Navy , and negotiations have been ongoing with the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mk 48 series , but only in 2016 did the American side agree to their delivery .
In June 2017 , a DSCA notice was issued regarding the possible upcoming delivery of 46 Mk 48 Mod 6 AT torpedoes to Taiwan in the amount of $ 250 million , but this delivery was never implemented .
In 2019 , the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China ( which is the official name of Taiwan ) approved a plan for the purchase of 40 torpedoes of the Mk 48 Mod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice has only been issued for the possible sale of 18 torpedoes .
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the sale , calling for the U.S. to stop any further arms sales and military ties with Taiwan to “ avoid further damage ” in relations .
The MK 48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology ( AT ) is a heavyweight torpedo designed for optimum effectiveness against all targets , in both littoral and deep-water environments .
With guaranteed supportability through 2025 , it is a cost-effective , up-to-date configuration of the MK 48 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Software-based guidance and control enables autonomous operation , “ fire and forget ” tactics , simultaneous multiple target engagement and close-in attack .
MK 48 quieting technology applied to the MK 48 Mod 4 propulsion system significantly reduces self-noise to enable covert deployment and minimize detection .
All MK 48 torpedoes use Otto Fuel II as the propellant .
Hailed as an inexpensive and safe alternative to hydrogen peroxide-based fuels and electric propulsion , Otto Fuel II has an unblemished safety record during 30 years of use on U.S. submarines .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be safely stored for decades , and its use does not impose any special construction or isolation requirements .
Otto Fuel II is a stable , safe , high-energy density fuel providing longrange capability to MK 48 torpedoes .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • China Launches Its Second Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock Just 6 Months After First

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On May 20th, the US Department of State approved the sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology (AT) Heavy Weight Torpedoes (HWT) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $180 million to Taiwan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced.
The request for the purchase was made by The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US.
In addition to the 18 torpedoes, what’s included are spare parts, support and test equipment, shipping and shipping containers, operator manuals, technical documentation, training, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support.
This would serve well the US national and security interests in the region, as well as assist Taiwan in bulking up its defense “in current and future defensive efforts.”
“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.
The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s capability in current and future defensive efforts. The recipient will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense. The recipient will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The Mk 48 Mod 6 AT HWT is an export analogue of the torpedoes Mk 48 Mod 6 ADCAP and Mk 48 Mod 6 ASOT of the US Navy.
Deliveries of Mk 48 Mod 6 AT torpedoes for export through the FMS line have been carried out since 2011, the known recipients were the fleets of Brazil and Turkey.
In this case, the Mk 48 Mod 6 AT HWT should be delivered for two single relatively modern diesel-electric submarines of the Taiwanese fleet of the Hai Lung type, both built by the Netherlands in the 1980s, both in service from 1987-1988.
Currently, Hai Lung type submarines continue to use West German export 533-mm AEG SUT 264 Mod 2 electric torpedoes, ordered simultaneously with these boats and assembled for political reasons in Indonesia by the Indonesian Aircraft State Association IPTN as their main weapon. – Taiwan got the last of 200 torpedoes from there in 1998.
Currently, German SUT torpedoes, developed in the 1960s, are considered completely obsolete in the Taiwanese Navy, and negotiations have been ongoing with the United States for the purchase of modern torpedoes of the Mk 48 series, but only in 2016 did the American side agree to their delivery.
In June 2017, a DSCA notice was issued regarding the possible upcoming delivery of 46 Mk 48 Mod 6 AT torpedoes to Taiwan in the amount of $250 million, but this delivery was never implemented.
In 2019, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China (which is the official name of Taiwan) approved a plan for the purchase of 40 torpedoes of the Mk 48 Mod 6 AT, but the current DSCA notice has only been issued for the possible sale of 18 torpedoes.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the sale, calling for the U.S. to stop any further arms sales and military ties with Taiwan to “avoid further damage” in relations.
“China is firmly opposed to the US arms sales to Taiwan and has made solemn representations to the US,” ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a statement.
The MK 48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) is a heavyweight torpedo designed for optimum effectiveness against all targets, in both littoral and deep-water environments. With guaranteed supportability through 2025, it is a cost-effective, up-to-date configuration of the MK 48 family designed to handle emerging threats.
Software-based guidance and control enables autonomous operation, “fire and forget” tactics, simultaneous multiple target engagement and close-in attack.
MK 48 quieting technology applied to the MK 48 Mod 4 propulsion system significantly reduces self-noise to enable covert deployment and minimize detection.
All MK 48 torpedoes use Otto Fuel II as the propellant.
Hailed as an inexpensive and safe alternative to hydrogen peroxide-based fuels and electric propulsion, Otto Fuel II has an unblemished safety record during 30 years of use on U.S. submarines. It was designed with occupational safety in mind, can be safely stored for decades, and its use does not impose any special construction or isolation requirements. Otto Fuel II is a stable, safe, high-energy density fuel providing longrange capability to MK 48 torpedoes.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Delays In Construction Of Dry Dock For Russia’s “Admiral Kuznetsov” Heavy Aircraft-Carrying Missile

Delays In Construction Of Dry Dock For Russia’s “Admiral Kuznetsov” Heavy Aircraft-Carrying Missile Cruiser

The construction of the dry dock for the repairs of the heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser “ Admiral Kuznetsov , ” appear to be delayed .
This is due to a conflict that appears to have arisen between the customer and the builder of the dock for repairing the only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in Russia .
The parties mutually accuse each other of delaying the project .
The Russian Company “ Investments , Engineering , Construction ” ( IEC ) , which is building the dry dock in Murmansk to modernize Russia ’ s only aircraft carrier submitted a complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Security Council about construction customers — the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center and the United Shipbuilding Corporation ( USC ) , of which it is a subsidiary .
The customer created the conditions in which the reconstruction of the dock becomes impossible , according to the letters from Gleb Yevtushenko , the head of IEC .
He makes several complaints at once .
IEC received a contract for the construction of the dock in July 2019 , the total cost of work – 23.9 billion rubles ( $ 332 million ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 2.6 billion rubles ( $ 36 million ) from the promised advance of 7.1 billion rubles ( $ 98.6 million ) and did not pay about 800 million rubles ( $ 11 million ) of actually completed work .
Also , Zvezdochka delayed the provision of design documentation for the first stage of construction for more than six months , and the documents for the second stage have not been sent yet .
The documents for the second stage have not even been submitted to the Glavgosexpertiza , which usually reviews them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work is blocked , said Yevtushenko .
Work on the two stages of construction had to be carried out at the same time , so that the heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser could be loaded on the dry dock in June 2021 , Yevtushenko explained .
That is , the ship will go into the unfinished dock , there they will install bottom-side reinforcement , screws and shafts .
Then the cruiser will leave the dock , the specialists will finish the repair on the water , and the contractor will complete the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Zvezdochka wants to terminate the contract with IEC , but this will delay the deadline for docking the cruiser to 2022 , or even 2023 , which “ will cause financial damage and damage to the state ’ s defense , ” the letter to the Prosecutor General ’ s Office said .
According to the letter , IEC is still present at the construction site with 35 pieces of equipment , from the initial 53 , while only deploying the necessary equipment would take any other contract at least several months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office to review Zvezdochka , the construction site and to forbid termination of the contract .
In response , the USC accused the contractor of disrupting the terms of work .
The company handed over the documentation to the first stage four months after the conclusion of the contract , the documentation for the second stage is being approved and will be sent to the Glavgosexpertiza , said the representative of USC .
Work is paid on time , the company said .
IEC “ objectively does not adhere to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corporation .
Construction is delayed due to a significant deterioration in the financial situation of the contractor , who has recently received financial claims from previous customers , the representative said .
At the end of last year , Alexey Rakhmanov said in an interview with Kommersant that USC was unhappy with the pace of construction work .
According to him , the corporation was partly forced to work with IEC , since “ the three giants , construction companies , well-known in the Russian market , refused to participate in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USC plans to change the contractor in order to comply with the deadlines for docking Admiral Kuznetsov in 2021 , the representative of the corporation explains .
On April 3rd , “ Zvezdochka ” notified IEC on termination of the contract and now analyzes the proposals of other contractors .
The construction of the dry dock for the modernization of Admiral Kuznetsov is delayed for several reasons , Valery Kireev , deputy head of the Center for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Technology ( TsTSS ) told RBC , which has the status of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general designer of the dry dock .
Conflict between the contractor and the customer .
Despite the lack of approved design documentation , at the second stage it is possible to carry out a large number of works on the shore – equip the site , dismantle structures , etc.
, but there is virtually no contractor at the construction site , Kireev noted .
The second reason is associated with an increase in the planned cost of the second stage of construction .
The TsTSS in December 2019 doubled it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased seismic resistance for a dry dock of 7.9 points ( conventional seismic maps in the region have 6 points ) .
Initially , the cost of the second stage was 16 billion rubles , the new price was 33.6 billion rubles , according to an unnamed source .
USC and the Ministry of Industry and Trade refuse to agree on a new price , explained the deputy head of the designer .
Because of this , according to him , the Glavgosexpertiza can not start checking the documentation .
At the request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the cost of the project , TsTSS proposed to abandon activities for 5 billion rubles that are not directly related to the dry dock , but have not yet received consent from the ministry and the customer , Kireev said .
According to him , the Ministry of Industry and Trade instructed the customer to hire a third-party organization to verify the settlements of TsTSS .
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The construction of the dry dock for the repairs of the heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser “Admiral Kuznetsov,” appear to be delayed.
This is due to a conflict that appears to have arisen between the customer and the builder of the dock for repairing the only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in Russia. The parties mutually accuse each other of delaying the project.
The Russian Company “Investments, Engineering, Construction” (IEC), which is building the dry dock in Murmansk to modernize Russia’s only aircraft carrier submitted a complaint to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Security Council about construction customers — the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), of which it is a subsidiary.
Russian outlet RBC received copies of the letters.
The customer created the conditions in which the reconstruction of the dock becomes impossible, according to the letters from Gleb Yevtushenko, the head of IEC. He makes several complaints at once.
IEC received a contract for the construction of the dock in July 2019, the total cost of work – 23.9 billion rubles ($332 million).
But the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center paid only 2.6 billion rubles ($36 million) from the promised advance of 7.1 billion rubles ($98.6 million) and did not pay about 800 million rubles ($11 million) of actually completed work.
Also, Zvezdochka delayed the provision of design documentation for the first stage of construction for more than six months, and the documents for the second stage have not been sent yet.
The documents for the second stage have not even been submitted to the Glavgosexpertiza, which usually reviews them for two months, and without them the work is blocked, said Yevtushenko.
Work on the two stages of construction had to be carried out at the same time, so that the heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser could be loaded on the dry dock in June 2021, Yevtushenko explained.
That is, the ship will go into the unfinished dock, there they will install bottom-side reinforcement, screws and shafts. Then the cruiser will leave the dock, the specialists will finish the repair on the water, and the contractor will complete the construction.
Now, it turns out, Zvezdochka wants to terminate the contract with IEC, but this will delay the deadline for docking the cruiser to 2022, or even 2023, which “will cause financial damage and damage to the state’s defense,” the letter to the Prosecutor General’s Office said.
According to the letter, IEC is still present at the construction site with 35 pieces of equipment, from the initial 53, while only deploying the necessary equipment would take any other contract at least several months.
The letter asks for the Prosecutor’s Office to review Zvezdochka, the construction site and to forbid termination of the contract.
In response, the USC accused the contractor of disrupting the terms of work. The company handed over the documentation to the first stage four months after the conclusion of the contract, the documentation for the second stage is being approved and will be sent to the Glavgosexpertiza, said the representative of USC. Work is paid on time, the company said.
IEC “objectively does not adhere to the project,” said a representative of the corporation.
Construction is delayed due to a significant deterioration in the financial situation of the contractor, who has recently received financial claims from previous customers, the representative said.
At the end of last year, Alexey Rakhmanov said in an interview with Kommersant that USC was unhappy with the pace of construction work.
According to him, the corporation was partly forced to work with IEC, since “the three giants, construction companies, well-known in the Russian market, refused to participate in this risky project for them.”
Now, USC plans to change the contractor in order to comply with the deadlines for docking Admiral Kuznetsov in 2021, the representative of the corporation explains. On April 3rd, “Zvezdochka” notified IEC on termination of the contract and now analyzes the proposals of other contractors.
The construction of the dry dock for the modernization of Admiral Kuznetsov is delayed for several reasons, Valery Kireev, deputy head of the Center for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Technology (TsTSS) told RBC, which has the status of a state scientific center and acts as the general designer of the dry dock.
Conflict between the contractor and the customer. Despite the lack of approved design documentation, at the second stage it is possible to carry out a large number of works on the shore – equip the site, dismantle structures, etc., but there is virtually no contractor at the construction site, Kireev noted.
The second reason is associated with an increase in the planned cost of the second stage of construction. The TsTSS in December 2019 doubled it, said Kireev, because of the identified increased seismic resistance for a dry dock of 7.9 points (conventional seismic maps in the region have 6 points).
Initially, the cost of the second stage was 16 billion rubles, the new price was 33.6 billion rubles, according to an unnamed source.
USC and the Ministry of Industry and Trade refuse to agree on a new price, explained the deputy head of the designer. Because of this, according to him, the Glavgosexpertiza cannot start checking the documentation.
At the request of the Ministry of Industry and Trade to reduce the cost of the project, TsTSS proposed to abandon activities for 5 billion rubles that are not directly related to the dry dock, but have not yet received consent from the ministry and the customer, Kireev said.
According to him, the Ministry of Industry and Trade instructed the customer to hire a third-party organization to verify the settlements of TsTSS.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Russia Launches New Radar Capable Of Tracking Up To 1,000 Targets, Including Hypersonic

On May 21st , Russian state company Rosoboronexport launched its latest radar capable of detecting hypersonic targets .
Rosoboronexport JSC is part of Rostec and has begun marketing work to promote the 59N6-TE mobile three-coordinate radar station developed and manufactured by FNPC NNIIRT to the global arms market .
“ Thanks to the work of thousands of Russian scientists , designers and technicians , Rosoboronexport has the opportunity to offer its foreign partners unique defensive solutions , often unparalleled in the world and meeting promising trends in military operations .
Today , Rosoboronexport launches the latest radar station on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide class of modern and promising air targets , including hypersonic targets .
When developing the export version of the radar , the growing importance of air defense systems in ensuring the security of states , as well as the needs of foreign customers to increase the intelligence capabilities of air defense units and units , “ took into account , ” said General Director of Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev .
The 59N6-TE mobile three-coordinate radar station is exclusively a Russian development and is based on a modern domestic element base with digital processing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid-state , has high potential , increased noise immunity .
59N6-TE is a medium- and high-altitude radar and has a decimeter wavelength range .
In addition to hypersonic targets , it also effectively detects aerodynamic and ballistic objects .
The 59N6-TE radar provides a measurement of the range , azimuth and altitude of an air object .
It is capable of detecting targets flying at a speed of up to 8 thousand km/h at a range of up to 450 kilometers and an altitude of up to 200 kilometers , and after detection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is resistant to interference , and also is capable of detecting the direction from which active noise interference is being carried out .
The station has automatic and semi-automatic modes of capture and tracking of air objects .
In real time , it can simultaneously track at least 1,000 objects and recognize 8 classes of targets , including the selection of anti-radar missiles and warn combat crews of danger of destruction , including by high-precision weapons and homing missiles .
Also in the 59N6-TE radar is capable of detecting air objects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mk-XA and ATC RBS .
The 59N6-TE radar set includes the antenna-hardware complex and indicator post located on the KAMAZ-6560 type automobile base chassis .
It can also be stationary and the option of locating the radar antenna system on a high-rise support and other structures .
In addition , the station can be remotely operated , from a distance of up to 1 kilometer when connected via fiber-optic communication lines and up to 15 km when working via a radio channel .
“ I am confident that in today ’ s conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technologies , the 59N6-TE radar will occupy top positions in its market segment and will become an important acquisition for countries that are building their air defense system taking into account world trends in the development of air attack weapons .
We count on the high demand for the new station in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region , the Middle East and North Africa , ” added Alexander Mikheev .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Chooses Three Companies To Develop Its Future Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar

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On May 21st, Russian state company Rosoboronexport launched its latest radar capable of detecting hypersonic targets.
Rosoboronexport JSC is part of Rostec and has begun marketing work to promote the 59N6-TE mobile three-coordinate radar station developed and manufactured by FNPC NNIIRT to the global arms market.
“Thanks to the work of thousands of Russian scientists, designers and technicians, Rosoboronexport has the opportunity to offer its foreign partners unique defensive solutions, often unparalleled in the world and meeting promising trends in military operations. Today, Rosoboronexport launches the latest radar station on the market, capable of effectively detecting a wide class of modern and promising air targets, including hypersonic targets. When developing the export version of the radar, the growing importance of air defense systems in ensuring the security of states, as well as the needs of foreign customers to increase the intelligence capabilities of air defense units and units, “took into account,” said General Director of Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev.
The 59N6-TE mobile three-coordinate radar station is exclusively a Russian development and is based on a modern domestic element base with digital processing and signal conditioning.
It is fully solid-state, has high potential, increased noise immunity.
59N6-TE is a medium- and high-altitude radar and has a decimeter wavelength range. In addition to hypersonic targets, it also effectively detects aerodynamic and ballistic objects.
The 59N6-TE radar provides a measurement of the range, azimuth and altitude of an air object.
It is capable of detecting targets flying at a speed of up to 8 thousand km/h at a range of up to 450 kilometers and an altitude of up to 200 kilometers, and after detection, exchange radar information with automated systems.
It is resistant to interference, and also is capable of detecting the direction from which active noise interference is being carried out.
The station has automatic and semi-automatic modes of capture and tracking of air objects.
In real time, it can simultaneously track at least 1,000 objects and recognize 8 classes of targets, including the selection of anti-radar missiles and warn combat crews of danger of destruction, including by high-precision weapons and homing missiles.
Also in the 59N6-TE radar is capable of detecting air objects defined in the international radar recognition systems Mk-XA and ATC RBS.
The 59N6-TE radar set includes the antenna-hardware complex and indicator post located on the KAMAZ-6560 type automobile base chassis.
It can also be stationary and the option of locating the radar antenna system on a high-rise support and other structures. In addition, the station can be remotely operated, from a distance of up to 1 kilometer when connected via fiber-optic communication lines and up to 15 km when working via a radio channel.
“I am confident that in today’s conditions and with the obvious prospects of hypersonic technologies, the 59N6-TE radar will occupy top positions in its market segment and will become an important acquisition for countries that are building their air defense system taking into account world trends in the development of air attack weapons. We count on the high demand for the new station in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and North Africa, ”added Alexander Mikheev.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Changhe Z-18 Medium Transport Helicopter (Infographics)

What the Chinese is that save the huge R & D costs , they look at the most feasible NATO @ @ @ @ @ increase its capability for their own needs .
The Zionist parasites stole the F-16 and @ @ @ @ @ a “ Lavi ” but the Jew motherfuckers are too stupid and could not produce @ @ @ @ @ technology to PRC for a few million bucks , so the Chinese looked at the @ @ @ @ @ bomber and came up with a very respectable and capable Chengdu J-10 , They have @ @ @ @ @ SU-30 and turned it into J-11 which at par with SU-35 Super Flanker .
I @ @ @ @ @ aviation hub and they have literally thousands of very capable and innovative design and manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ cloning projects .
https : //uploads.disquscdn.com/images/642e273c0eaee04f63def6e14895cf8f6fbab6daa1ead42f04fb829de848e01c.jpg J-11

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The Changhe Z-18 is a medium transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army. This is a single-rotor helicopter with tail rotor and a non-retractable landing gear.
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southfront--2020-05-22--US Sends Coronavirus Aid Package With Ventilators To Russia

On May 21 , the United States delivered 50 ventilators to Russia as a part of a humanitarian aid package @ @ @ @ @ its fight against the coronavirus .
Another batch of 150 US ventilators will head to @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow .
The US aid came in response to a @ @ @ @ @ On April 1 , Russia sent a coronavirus aid package with ventilators to the United @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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On May 21, the United States delivered 50 ventilators to Russia as a part of a humanitarian aid package worth to help Moscow in its fight against the coronavirus. Another batch of 150 US ventilators will head to Russia next week, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
The US aid came in response to a similar move by Russia. On April 1, Russia sent a coronavirus aid package with ventilators to the United States.
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